Adjustable stalk support for harvesting corn
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corn harvesting attachment devices experience increased crop loss when not precisely aligned with plant rows, as stalks are either pressed down and run over or become transversely positioned, leading to inefficiencies in harvesting.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of drivable stalk supports, arranged vertically and pivotably upstream of picking units, which actively support plant stalks to maintain them upright and guide them into cutting and processing areas, reducing bending and lateral displacement, and allowing for adjustable positioning and speed to adapt to varying crop conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the attachment device is moved precisely along the rows, then crop loss is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to stringent alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stalk support is made movable and adjustable in its position and orientation. It can be moved in the longitudinal direction, adjusted in vertical position, and modified in attack angle. This dynamic capability allows the stalk support to adapt to varying crop positions and conditions, reducing crop loss without requiring precise alignment of the entire attachment device with the rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the stalk support system by making it adjustable in multiple dimensions (longitudinal position, vertical height, attack angle) and variable in rotary speed. These parameter changes enable the stalk support to optimize its performance for different harvesting conditions, allowing operation independent of precise row alignment while maintaining low crop loss.
2Ease of operation
If the attachment device is not precisely aligned with rows, then ease of operation improves, but crop loss increases due to stalks being pressed down or becoming transversely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The stalk support is designed as a movable, adjustable component that can dynamically adapt its position and orientation. It can be moved in the longitudinal direction to follow stalk positions, adjusted vertically to maintain optimal support height, and angled to match the attack angle required for effective support. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to operate flexibly without precise alignment while preventing stalks from being pressed down or becoming transversely positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements parameter changes by making the stalk support adjustable in longitudinal position, vertical height, and attack angle. The rotary speed of the stalk support is also variable. These parameter adjustments allow the stalk support to compensate for misalignment between the attachment device and crop rows, maintaining effective stalk support and preventing crop loss even when operation independence from rows is desired.
3Reliability
If stalks are supported closer to the ground, then support effectiveness improves, but stalks are pressed down and run over by the attachment device
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves this contradiction by moving the stalk support to another dimension - vertically above the stalks rather than at ground level. The stalk support is positioned at a height above the stalks and uses a conveying action to move stalks horizontally into the processing area. This dimensional change eliminates direct contact between the attachment device and stalks at ground level, preventing stalks from being pressed down or run over while maintaining support effectiveness through the elevated conveying mechanism.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If stalks are supported at greater height, then stalks are not pressed down, but support effectiveness decreases due to stalk flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the support mechanism to a different dimension - vertically above the stalks. The stalk support is positioned at an elevated height where it does not contact the stalks directly, avoiding the problem of pressing down flexible stalks. Instead, it uses a conveying action to horizontally move stalks into the processing area. This dimensional change allows the system to operate at greater height without suffering from stalk flexibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The stalk support acts as an intermediary mechanism that indirectly handles stalks without direct contact. Positioned above the stalks, it uses a conveying action to move stalks horizontally into the processing area without applying downward pressure. This intermediary approach allows support at greater height while maintaining effectiveness, as the stalk support mediates between the attachment device and the flexible stalks.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device for harvesting stalky stem material is provided with stem dividers; cutting devices cutting the stalky stem material; conveying devices conveying the cut stalky stem material; picking units distributed across a working width of the attachment device and provided with picking rollers and picking gaps to separate fruit from the stalks; milling devices associated with the picking units; and a device collecting and combining the fruit separated from the stalks. Drivable stalk supports are arranged in a travel direction of the attachment device upstream of the picking units and positioned vertically spaced relative to the picking units and to the cutting devices. Pivotable support arms support the stalk supports. The stalk supports are moved by the support arms in a longitudinal direction, with respect to the vertical position, and with respect to an attack angle, and are adjusted with respect to their rotary speed.