Blossom Thinner

The Blossom Thinner regulates flower density mechanically during the flowering season, removing excess blossoms before fruit set. By controlling blossom density early in the season, trees distribute energy more efficiently across remaining fruit.

Key benefits:
• Reduces blossom redundancy
• Prevents excessive fruit load
• Improves fruit size consistency
• Enhances harvest quality

Result: higher-quality fruit and improved market value.

The thinning drum automatically adjusts its vertical position to maintain proper contact with the tree canopy. This ensures consistent thinning intensity even on sloped or uneven terrain.

Key benefits:
• Maintains correct canopy engagement
• Prevents over-thinning of lower branches
• Avoids missed blossoms in upper canopy
• Adapts to terrain variations

Result: uniform thinning across the entire tree structure.

The system continuously adjusts its distance from the tree row to maintain optimal interaction between the thinning elements and the canopy. This allows the robot to adapt to irregular plantation rows.

Key benefits:
• Controlled thinning intensity
• Accurate alignment with tree rows
• Reduced trunk interference
• Adaptation to canopy width variations

Result: precise blossom removal without damaging trees.

The Blossom Thinner regulates drum rotation speed automatically according to machine movement and flowering density. Maintaining the correct number of wire impacts per canopy surface ensures consistent thinning results.

Key benefits:
• Prevents excessive blossom removal
• Avoids insufficient thinning
• Maintains controlled canopy contact
• Synchronizes with robot travel speed

Result: predictable and repeatable thinning performance.

The thinning drum uses slightly bent polymer wires designed to create a sweeping motion through the canopy. This reduces aggressive impacts compared to straight rods or thick silicone fingers.

Key benefits:
• Controlled blossom detachment
• Reduced stress on fruit stems
• Lower canopy damage risk
• Precise thinning action

Result: gentle thinning that protects future fruit development.

The thinning wires are partially flexible, allowing them to absorb impact forces when contacting blossoms and branches. This flexibility improves thinning efficiency while protecting plant structures.

Key benefits:
• Shock absorption during canopy contact
• Reduced branch stress
• Lower risk of bark injury
• Adaptation to canopy variability

Result: safer thinning process and longer component lifespan.