Test Methods and Performance of Some Fruit Catching Surfaces

ABSTRACT A method for testing energy absorbing materials used as cushions for falling fruit on shake-catch type harvesters is described. It requires a pendulum, miniature accelerometer and storage oscilloscope. The tests showed that, with foam cushions currently used, fruit is subjected to high peak deceleration forces because bottoming occurs above the critical drop height. A low pressure air cushion was able to decelerate the fruit with only one-third the peak force imposed by the best solid foam cushion. The rebound height was also lower indicating more energy absorption. The differences in performance were clearly demonstrated using this technique.