Design and Experiment of the Codonopsis pilosula Outcrop Film-Laying and Transplanting Machine

A Codonopsis pilosula film-laying and outcrop transplantation machine is developed to solve problems, such as unstable quality of transplanted seedlings, high intensity of manual work, and low efficiency of work in the seedling transplantation of Codonopsis pilosula. This paper outlines the structure and working principle of the machine and analyzes the key components of the prototype, designs the seed bed preparer, analyzes its working process and the force required for furrowing into the soil. Additionally, based on EDEM discrete element simulation technology, a soil-component simulation model was established. In addition, the Hertz–Mindlin model was selected as the contact model between the discrete element simulation soil particles and the seed bed preparer to simulate the operation process of the seed bed preparer. The structure and relevant parameters of the seedling planting device and soil covering device are determined, the transmission system scheme is established, and the working mechanism of the core components is analyzed. Field experiment results indicate that at forward speeds of 0.20, 0.25, and 0.3 m/s, the average qualified rate of planting depth is 91.08%, and the average qualified rate of plant spacing is 89.8%. The field performance test indicators met national and industry standards, which require both qualified rates to exceed 80%, and the test results met the design requirements, demonstrating the integrated operation of trenching, seedling planting, film-laying, and topsoil covering.