SORGHUM LEAF HARVESTING
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Negative health impacts from synthetic dyes are increasing demand for natural, safe colorants. RedLeaf Biologics uses leaves from sorghum plants to develop natural alternatives to artificial red dyes used in food, medicine, and cosmetics. RedLeaf requires a mechanical system to make harvesting these leaves simpler. The system will benefit Kentucky farmers when harvesting by reducing time and expenses and allowing for expanded production.
FINAL DESIGN
Brush Rollers
The brush rollers are 10 in plastic rollers that will shear the leaves off the sorghum stalks as the stalks move through the corn head.
Paddle Chains
The paddle chains are used to pull the sheared leaves into the harvester to prevent the leaves from being lost.
Harvesting & Collection System
The sorghum stalks are pulled into the system, the rollers shear the leaves off the stalks, and the paddle chains move the leaves into the system.
TEAM MEMBERS
From left to right: Nick Rydz, Kiley Power, John Wesche, John Mann
Contact us - bae.redleaf@gmail.com
RedLeaf Biologics was founded in 2015 with the goal of developing natural pigments from red sorghum leaves. The derived pigments are used in health, food, and cosmetic products in place of traditional synthetic dyes. Sorghum leaves are one of the richest sources of botanical flavonoids, with 50 to 100 times the flavonoid content of other botanical extracts.
More information about RedLeaf can be found at https://redleafbiologics.com/.
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