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<p>Post-harvest potato grading and quality assessment requires sufficient and controlled time delays to ensure accurate evaluation of defects, physiological changes, and export suitability. Conventional grading systems often lack reliable mechanisms to provide variable testing times, which limits consistency in quality control. To address this challenge, the present study develops and integrates a mechanical time delay system with an agricultural material handling unit to enable precise and adjustable delays during potato testing and sorting. The system employs a novel escapement mechanism with pallet–escape wheel arrangements, designed to improve accuracy, durability, and reliability under agricultural conditions. Experimental evaluation was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) with Taguchi’s L18 mixed plan to optimize parameters such as angular twist, pallet weight, and torque. Results indicate that the maximum time delay of 57.99&#xa0;min is achieved at an angular twist of 280°, pallet weight of 590&#xa0;mg, and torque of 85 N·mm. The system demonstrates flexibility, allowing delays from 30&#xa0;s to nearly 58&#xa0;min, depending on operational requirements. This novel approach enhances the efficiency of potato quality testing and sorting, ensuring better compliance with export standards and contributing to improved post-harvest management in the agricultural sector.</p>

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Design, Development, and Performance Evaluation of Mechanical Time Delay Mechanism Integrated with Material Handling System for Effective Potato Quality Testing and Sorting

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月28日

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  • Mayuri B. Ardak,
  • Mangesh R. Phate,
  • Anilkumar Sathe

摘要

Post-harvest potato grading and quality assessment requires sufficient and controlled time delays to ensure accurate evaluation of defects, physiological changes, and export suitability. Conventional grading systems often lack reliable mechanisms to provide variable testing times, which limits consistency in quality control. To address this challenge, the present study develops and integrates a mechanical time delay system with an agricultural material handling unit to enable precise and adjustable delays during potato testing and sorting. The system employs a novel escapement mechanism with pallet–escape wheel arrangements, designed to improve accuracy, durability, and reliability under agricultural conditions. Experimental evaluation was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) with Taguchi’s L18 mixed plan to optimize parameters such as angular twist, pallet weight, and torque. Results indicate that the maximum time delay of 57.99 min is achieved at an angular twist of 280°, pallet weight of 590 mg, and torque of 85 N·mm. The system demonstrates flexibility, allowing delays from 30 s to nearly 58 min, depending on operational requirements. This novel approach enhances the efficiency of potato quality testing and sorting, ensuring better compliance with export standards and contributing to improved post-harvest management in the agricultural sector.