Adjustable Stripper Plate Mechanism for Narrow Row Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional corn harvesting devices face challenges in adjusting picking plates for narrower row widths, requiring excessive space and mechanical effort, and are not suitable for halved row widths advocated in modern arable farming, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The adjustment mechanism allows for simultaneous adjustment of two picking plates using a single anchor plate, reducing the overall width and mechanical complexity, with anchor plates mounted on a longitudinal beam and connected via a link to ensure precise and efficient width control, and the use of conveyor units positioned at an angle to further minimize space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used for picking plates, then the device can accommodate standard row widths, but the overall width becomes excessive and mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverow width adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adjustment functions for multiple picking plates into a single integrated anchor plate mechanism. The anchor plate serves as a common reference point that simultaneously controls the lateral position of multiple picking plates through connected arms, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each plate and reducing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor plate functions as a universal adjustment component that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a pivot point for multiple picking plates, provides a standardized adjustment interface, and enables coordinated movement of several plates simultaneously. This multi-functional design reduces the number of specialized components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used for picking plates, then standard row widths can be maintained, but the overall device width increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverow width adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice width
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the adjustment mechanism from a lateral arrangement to a longitudinal arrangement along the device width. The anchor plate is positioned centrally, and picking plates are adjusted by rotating arms that move in arcs, allowing the mechanism to fit within the existing device width envelope rather than extending it laterally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used for picking plates, then picking plate positioning can be achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicking plate adjustabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into modular components: the anchor plate, connected arms, and picking plates are distinct separable elements. This segmentation allows individual components to be accessed, inspected, and maintained independently without disassembling the entire mechanism, improving maintenance accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution significantly reduces the overall width of the device, decreases mechanical complexity and weight, and enhances the ease of maintenance while maintaining precise adjustment capabilities, making it suitable for narrower row widths without compromising harvesting efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A rotational movement of the anchor plate generated by the adjusting lever is transmitted to the picking plate via the pivot axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 2

The anchor plate has a pivot axis that is eccentric to the axis of rotation of the anchor plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Implementation Method 3

The picking process involves pulling the plant stalk downwards with at least one picking rotor after the stalk has entered the picking gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

The continuously rotating carriers, along with the conveyors, capture the cut corn cobs and convey them to the area of the transverse auger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConveying:

Implementation Method 5

the transverse auger, which gathers the cut corn cobs in the center of the device and discharges them to the rear of the combine harvester

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAuger conveying: Archimedes Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3355678B1Harvesting device for standing crop with adjustable stripper plates
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 CARL GERINGHOFF GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3355678B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3355678B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3355678B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for harvesting stalk-like stem crops, having a number of picking units (2) which are arranged alongside one another on the frame of the device and each have picking plates (6), which laterally delimit a picking gap (4) and are adjustable in the transverse direction, and at least one picking rotor (8) located therebeneath, conveying units (10) which are assigned to the respective picking units (2), are configured as continuous conveyors that are driven in circulation, are arranged on opposite sides above a picking gap (4) and are configured with drivers fastened to the circulating elements, and a transverse conveying device arranged downstream of the conveying units (10), wherein the transverse adjustment of the picking plates (6) takes place by means of anchor plates (12) which are movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (14) by an adjusting lever (20). In order to create an adjusting mechanism which requires a smaller overall width, it is proposed that one or more anchor plates (12) each have two joint axes (16) via which the adjacent picking plates (6) are connected to these armature plates (12), and that the two picking plates (6) be movable in the transverse direction via the joint axes (16) in the event of a rotary movement of these anchor plates (12) about their axes of rotation.