Design and Experiment of Apple Foam Net Sleeve Packaging Machine with Posture Adjustment Function

Abstract

Background: In this study, an apple foam net packing machine is designed to improve the efficiency of apple foam net packing, reduce the intensity of manual work, and meet the market demand for diverse forms of apple packing. Methods: Based on the analysis of apple shape characteristics, a secondary posture adjustment method for apples with a vertical posture adjustment mechanism and a side posture adjustment mechanism is proposed. Based on the observation of human hand-set nets and the analysis of the mechanical characteristics of nets, a dual-system net opening method combining a net slackening system and a net opening system is proposed. Results: The experiment shows that: the apple foam net sleeve packing machine can reach 99% of the apple’s posture adjustment rate, the net opening rate can reach 99%, and the packing rate can reach 98.10%. The packing speed is 10 s/pcs, and the packing efficiency is 355–365 pcs/h. The length of the fused mesh net sleeve is mainly distributed between 138 and 143 mm, which accounts for approximately 80% of the total number of samples. Conclusions: The apples packed by this machine are neatly packaged according to specifications. It can improve the efficiency of apple foam net sleeve packing and replace manual work.