Adjustable Disc Haulm Topping Device for Crop Stem Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haulm toppers for removing stems and foliage from tuberous plants, such as potato plants, face challenges in reliably separating stems and foliage from tubers in the soil, and lack versatility in adjusting to different crop conditions and soil types.
Innovation Solution
A haulm-topping device equipped with a pair of cooperating discs that can bow away from their main plane, held by a main frame, where the discs converge in both vertical and horizontal planes, and are biased against each other to form a contact area for effective clamping and removal. The device includes adjustable mechanisms for setting the angle, location, and distance between the discs, as well as a soil displacer to enhance engagement and reduce stem breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional haulm toppers use fixed clamping mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the device lacks adaptability to different crop conditions and soil types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable disc holders that can modify the angle and position of the discs relative to each other. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to different crop conditions and soil types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The adjustability is achieved through mechanical means that allow operators to change the configuration based on specific field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs settable biasing means that can modify the clamping force and the angle between discs. By changing these parameters, the device can effectively handle various crop types and ground conditions without requiring a completely different mechanism for each scenario, thus balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If discs are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the contact area and engagement force cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The disc holders are designed to be adjustable, allowing the discs to be positioned at different angles and distances from each other. This dynamic positioning enables optimization of the contact area and engagement force for reliable stem removal, while the adjustment mechanism remains mechanically straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means incorporate settable parameters that control the clamping force and disc orientation. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the contact area between discs and stems, ensuring reliable removal without requiring overly complex control systems.
3Force
If the discs rotate in opposite directions, then the clamping action is effective, but the pulling force direction cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disc drives that can rotate the discs in the same sense around their respective center lines. This dynamic rotation control, combined with adjustable disc holders, allows optimization of the pulling force direction to match the stem orientation, improving effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device ensures reliable and efficient removal of stems and foliage by optimizing the contact area and engagement force, reducing stem breakage, and adapting to various crop and soil conditions, thereby improving the harvesting process.
Implementation Method 1
settable biasing means for biasing the discs against each other under distortion thereof, to form a contact area
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for removing stems and foliage from a crop in a field, comprising: - a main frame to be propelled in a working direction along and across the field, and - at least one haulm-topping unit held by the main frame, wherein the haulm-topping unit comprises a pair of cooperating discs, and a pair of disc holders for holding the discs, wherein the disc holders comprise disc drives for rotating the discs in a same sense around respective disc centre lines, wherein at their trailing edge the discs rotate upwardly, wherein the discs can be set so that they converge in a horizontal direction that is opposite to the working direction, and/or in a vertically downward direction, wherein the haulm-topping unit comprises settable biasing means for biasing the discs against each other under distortion thereof, to form a contact area at the radial inside of the circumferential edge, with which contact area stem and foliage can be clamped for their removal from the field. The device may be provided with a disc including pins and/or a soil displacer.