Modular container system for the collection and transport of blackberries using generative design
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70929/caui3.v2i2.0026Keywords:
Generative design, industrial design, ergonomics, blackberry, post-harvest losses, modular systemAbstract
The Andean blackberry is one of the most economically important agricultural crops in the province of Tungurahua, Ecuador. However, post-harvest losses exceed 30% of total production due to the use of containers without adequate ventilation and the mechanical crushing caused by the continuous transfer of the fruit during harvesting and transport. This study developed the design and technical validation of an optimized modular container system using generative design tools and artificial intelligence. The methodology adopted is based on the Double Diamond approach (Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver), integrating a field diagnosis with twelve producers in the region, the formulation of a brief with functional, ergonomic, and ventilation requirements, and computational modeling in SolidWorks and Autodesk Fusion 360. The results demonstrate that the proposed system, composed of an individual harvesting module and a collective transport module with a hexagonal ventilation pattern, completely eliminates fruit transfers, complies with biomechanical and ergonomic limits (<= 7kg), and increases the airflow rate by natural convection (>=5 kg of lateral open area), offering a technically viable solution for fruit preservation without requiring active refrigeration infrastructure.
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