Experimental safety analysis of transplanting device of the cam-type semi-automatic vegetable transplanter

Abstract

A transplanting device is a part of a vegetable transplanter that performs a key role and receives a large load during the transplanting work. The load characteristics affect the static and dynamic safety of the transplanting device. The aim of this research was to experimentally investigate the load and safety of the transplanting device of the cam-type semi-automatic vegetable transplanter commonly used in Korea. A strain-based load measurement system was constructed using 15 strain gauges attached to selected measurement spots on the transplanting device. Field tests were conducted at 4 levels of engine speed and 12 levels of planting distance. Measured strain data were converted into stress values to analyse the static safety factor and fatigue life of the transplanting device. The results showed that the stress acting on the transplanting device tended to increase with the increase in the engine speed or the decrease in the planting distance. The static safety factors of the transplanting device under various working conditions were greater than 1.0 for all the measurement spots. The minimum fatigue life was 66,416 h at the upper side of the hopper which is sufficient lifetime, considering 25.5 h of annual usage time in Korea.