Combine Harvester Seed Corn Processing With Low Kernel Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing seed corn require extensive resources and time due to the need for separate de-husking and drying processes after corn ears are picked, leading to potential kernel damage and low germination viability.
Innovation Solution
A combine harvester is used to de-husk and shell corn kernels onboard, reducing the need for separate processing equipment and transport, and employs a threshing unit with specific rotor and concave configurations to minimize kernel damage, followed by a separating unit to collect high-quality seed corn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional corn ear pickers are used to harvest corn, then ears of corn can be collected intact, but extensive separate processing equipment and time are required for de-husking and drying, leading to potential kernel damage
Solution Approach 1:
The combine harvester merges the harvesting, de-husking, and threshing operations into a single integrated machine. The header collects corn ears, the de-husking unit removes husks, and the threshing unit separates kernels from cobs all within one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate processing equipment and reducing kernel damage from multiple handling steps
Solution Approach 2:
The combine harvester performs multiple functions simultaneously: it harvests corn plants, de-husks the ears, and threshes the kernels in a single pass through the field. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate specialized machines and sequential processing steps
2Productivity
If conventional harvesting methods are used, then corn can be harvested, but extensive time and resources are required for separate de-husking and drying processes
Solution Approach 1:
The combine harvester continuously performs de-husking and threshing operations while moving through the field, rather than requiring separate discrete processing steps. The corn flows continuously from the header through the de-husking unit and then to the threshing unit, maintaining productive action throughout the harvesting process and eliminating idle time between operations
Solution Approach 2:
By combining harvesting, de-husking, and threshing into one simultaneous operation, the system eliminates the sequential time required for separate processing steps. The integrated design allows all three functions to operate in parallel within the same time window, dramatically reducing total processing time
3Reliability
If multiple separate processing steps are used, then corn can be processed, but kernel damage increases and germination viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The combine harvester performs de-husking and threshing in a single continuous pass, minimizing the number of times kernels are handled and moved. This reduced handling minimizes mechanical damage to kernels while maintaining efficient processing speed, thereby preserving germination viability without sacrificing productivity
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 method significantly reduces processing time and resource demand while maintaining high germination viability of seed corn, achieving at least 75% cold and warm germination rates.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor disposed within the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing, wherein a spacing between the rotor and the housing is between about 0.4 inches and about 1.5 inches along a length of the rotor
Implementation Method 2
a separating unit disposed generally below the threshing unit and configured to receive the corn kernels removed from the cars of corn, through the multiple concaves and the multiple separating grates
Data Source
AI summary
Combine harvesters are provided for use in harvesting seed corn from corn plants in fields. In connection therewith, a method for producing such seed corn from the corn plants, for use in growing subsequent corn plants, includes measuring a moisture content of corn kernels on ears of the corn plants in the field and removing, by one of the combine harvesters, the ears of corn from the corn plants when the moisture content satisfies a threshold moisture content. The method then includes separating the corn kernels from cobs of the ears of corn onboard the combine harvester and collecting the separated corn kernels for use as seed corn, whereby one or more subsequent corn plants can be grown from the collected corn kernels.