Dynamic Modelling Structure of a Fruit Tree for Inertial Shaker System Design

Idling and working power equations for a shaker with rotating eccentric weights and for a slider crank type were established and compared. The tree structure model comprised both trunk and main roots. Using static equations, the location of virtual turning centre versus shaking height function was defined. Based on this function, a simple three-element model composed of reduced mass, spring constant and kinetic damping coefficient was transferred from a trunk cross-section to all others. Replacing these reduced parameters into the power equation of the two types of shaker and into the equation of trunk amplitude, the power consumption and amplitude versus shaking height curves were drawn. These functions, with the free combination of eccentricity, shaking frequency and mass parameters of the shakers help to optimise machine design. Calculating the relationship between power consumption and trunk amplitude for all trunk cross-sections, the most efficient clamping heights of the shakers were found.