Justification of the geometric dimensions of drum sorting machine

Abstract This article presents the results of research to determine the basic geometric dimensions of a drum sorting machine designed for potato sorting. A critical analysis of the current situation in this area has been carried out. A number of research works have been studied aimed at developing special methods to reduce manual labour and improve the quality of sizing and sorting potatoes. At the same time, it is important to sort by size with a low level of product damage, with high productivity. Known mechanical and robotic machines used for sorting potatoes: roller, drum, conveyor (belt) and combined. And also, with the help of machine and computer vision, laser backscattering of light, ultrasonic, visual and spectral analysis systems, optical, acoustic intelligent sorting systems. Among the mechanical ones, the drum sorting machine is the simplest in design. The disadvantage of this machine is that during operation the product to be sorted is only in the lower part of the drum, i.e. only part of the work surface is used. To eliminate the abovementioned disadvantage, a new design of the machine is recommended. Where the sorting surface is made of elastic mesh, the size of the holes increased in the direction of movement of the ends along the sorting surface. The ends are connected and pulled together on two drums. The holes of the elastic mesh material vary in size, the size of the holes increases from the beginning to the end of the sorting surface. The drum can be in a truncated cone or a cylinder shape. To ensure the efficient operation of the proposed machine, mathematical calculations are derived, including geometric and kinematic parameters.