Iteration 1
This is iteration 1. This ended up being a proof of concept for us to show that utilizing wind would be a valid method of detaching beans off the tree. Here we learned that the wind would be a sufficient force as well as the way the wind is hitting the bean would effect its excitement. The most movement we got from the mesquite bean came with an interrupted flow where the flow stream would move up and down.
Iteration 2
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Iteration 2 served as a proof of concept for the entire design. This iteration shows that it was possible for the blower system to be developed in order to get the air current closer to the mesquite beans. It also taught us that the final product needed to have a supported ducting of some kind in order to prevent the kinking of the pipe leading to restricted airflow. Videos of this testing are in the link below:
https://youtube.com/shorts/HH7XTj4oIDo
https://youtube.com/shorts/HH7XTj4oIDo
Iteration 3
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Iteration 3 served as a proof of concept before we dove in all the way and purchased final components. This phase reveled that we needed a bigger duct and a mounting system that would direct the nozzles deflection in along the vertical axis.
Iteration 4
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This was the iteration 3. This iteration taught us that we needed a lighter frame and a different nozzle to increase the air output. Videos of the testing are in the link below:
https://youtube.com/shorts/ruq2uqvQeXk
https://youtube.com/shorts/ruq2uqvQeXk
Final Product
Final Nozzle
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Final frame assebmly with straight nozzle
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Final harness assembly with retractable reel
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This is our final product. The device blows air into a tree exciting mesquite bean like pods and knocking them down to a tarp below. The system is easy to use and harvests at an effective rate.
