Research on kinematics model of reciprocating cutter with arc-shaped blade for tea-leaf picking

The tea plucking quality is directly dependent on the performance of the cutter. To optimize the cutter, this paper proposes a new kind of cutter for tea plucking machine and focuses on the kinematic analyzing and modeling. The rigid-flexible coupling kinematics model was established based on the proper assumptions that the blade is deformable but unchangeable in length of the mid-surface. The model is more accurate than the rigid model established before, and used for describing the cutter’s motion accurately. And the equations were plot with MATLAB, providing a visible way to recognize the complex kinematics results. The model was applied to statics analysis with the finite element software (MSC Patran and Nastran), which verified that the blade meets the strength needs very well. This model is necessary complement for the cutting harvesting theory, provides the basis for optimal design of tea plucking machine, and would promote the plucking quality conspicuously.