Design of a portable machine for picking chamomile flowers

Abstract

Abstract This research details the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a novel, portable machine for mechanized harvesting of chamomile flowers. The machine incorporates a specialized picking mechanism with a variable-length comb, a reciprocating cutting blade, and a collecting brush, powered by independent lithium-ion battery units for field portability. A systematic experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effects of key operational parameters on productivity, including comb length, comb gap width, and cutting blade speed. The study identified optimal conditions that yielded the highest productivity of 31.74 kg/h. This was achieved with a 100 mm comb length, a 5 mm comb gap, a 5.15 m/min blade speed, and a 200 rpm brush rotation. These findings provide crucial insights for the optimal design and operational parameters of chamomile harvesting machinery, facilitating efficient mechanization.