Abstract
In this study, the lengths of the main links of the transplanting device of a semi-automatic vegetable transplanter were optimized to reduce the weight at the same planting trajectory. The theoretical planting trajectory was obtained from the kinematic analysis for the link structure of the transplanting device and verified through kinematic simulation using commercial software and actual measurement using high-speed camera. Then, the lengths of the main links that have a great influence on the planting trajectory were optimized to have a minimum total length at the same planting trajectory. A genetic algorithm was used as an optimization tool. As a result, with the optimal lengths of the main links, the same planting trajectory was maintained while reducing the total length by 18.32% compared to the conventional one. The transplanting device with the optimal main link lengths would have benefits in terms of agricultural economy by reducing manufacturing and fuel costs.
Highlights
Transplanting is an agricultural task of transferring and planting seedlings grown uniformly in a nursery to a field
The optimal lengths of the main links of the transplanting device were determined to reduce the weight while maintaining the same planting trajectory as the conventional one
The link structure of the transplanting device was analyzed, and the main links that have a decisive influence on the planting trajectory were selected
Summary
Transplanting is an agricultural task of transferring and planting seedlings grown uniformly in a nursery to a field. The amount of labor invested in transplanting accounts for approximately 5–10% of the total production labor; the labor intensity is significantly high because a large number of seedlings should be planted in a short period of time [1]. A transplanter is an agricultural machine that performs transplanting and is crucial for labor reduction and timely cultivation. Vegetables that can be planted using a transplanter include soybeans, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages, peppers, green onions, cucumbers, and onions [2]. In the Republic of Korea, only 25.8%, 15.9%, 13.1%, and 8.7% of the cultivation area are planted with the help of transplanters for soybeans, garlic, onions, and potatoes, respectively [4]
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