Publication Date

Fall 12-15-2019

Document Type

Final Report

Embargo Date

12-15-2020

Problem Statement

The Improved Greens Harvester is a project designing an improved machine that will be used to harvest crops by our client, EarthDance Organic Farm School in Ferguson, MO. The goal of our design was to provide a simple, easy-to-use, and easyto-fix machine that would cut and collect baby green leaves as the user walks along the plant bed. We first sought to address issue with the client’s current machine including low cutting accuracy, strain on the user’s body, frequent jamming, and low efficiency. Our initial design was a cart design that included: an oscillating blade for cutting, a rotating rope-shaft mechanism, conveyor belt, and basket for collecting, and a hand drill and tension cable and lever system for powering the machine. After further designing and prototyping, we eliminated the conveyor belt component and switched to a nylon bag to hold the collected greens. We also included a miter gear system to initiate motion about perpendicular axes for the ropes and blade. The most recent prototype functioned very well and met design goals; however, further development would make include making the machine food safe and improving stability in the car.

Author's School

McKelvey School of Engineering

Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Class Name

Mechanical Engineering Design Project (MEMS 411)

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