Corn Cob Collection Auger and Impeller System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural combines face challenges in efficiently collecting corn cobs along with corn kernels, often requiring a separate vehicle for cob collection, which complicates maneuvering and leads to clogging and unnecessary collection of low-density chaff.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an auger to move corn cobs to a duct, where an impeller propels them into a storage container, reducing cob loss and clogging by separating cobs from other chaff and low-density materials, and can be retrofitted onto existing combines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate grain wagon is used to collect corn cobs behind the combine, then corn cobs can be collected, but the maneuvering of the combine is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the corn cob collection function into the combine harvester itself by installing a cob collection container and associated conveying mechanisms (auger, duct, impeller) on the combine. This integration eliminates the need for a separate grain wagon, allowing the combine to collect both corn kernels and cobs simultaneously without requiring additional vehicles, thereby simplifying maneuvering while maintaining cob collection capability
2Device complexity
If all agricultural material is collected in one container, then collection is simplified, but clogging occurs and low-density chaff is unnecessarily collected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collection system into separate compartments: a first container for corn kernels and a second container for corn cobs. The threshing mechanism separates kernels from cobs, with kernels conveyed to the first container and cobs to the second container. This segmentation prevents mixing of materials, eliminates clogging caused by fluffy chaff in the cob container, and maintains system reliability while keeping the overall design relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes low-density chaff and husks from the collection process entirely. The header and threshing mechanism are designed to separate and eject this unwanted material before it enters the collection containers. By taking out the problematic low-density materials upstream, the system prevents them from causing clogging in the cob container while still collecting high-density cobs and kernels
3Adaptability or versatility
If corn cobs are collected along with kernels on the combine, then cob collection is integrated, but existing combines require complex modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cob collection system to be integrated with existing combine harvester components. The header uses the same corn ear stripping mechanism already present on the combine. The threshing mechanism utilizes the existing threshing drum or beater. The cob collection container is positioned to work with the existing grain tank structure. This multi-functionality approach allows existing combines to be retrofitted with cob collection capability using minimal additional components, maintaining adaptability while limiting retrofit complexity
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 allows for efficient collection and storage of high-density corn cobs without a separate wagon, reducing cob loss and clogging, while minimizing the collection of low-density materials, enhancing the operational efficiency of existing combines.
Implementation Method 1
an auger to move corn cobs to a duct
Implementation Method 2
an impeller propels them into a storage container
Implementation Method 3
A blower is provided to move air through the duct to a storage container
Data Source
AI summary
A combine is provided with an improved system for collecting agricultural material, such as stover, from an agricultural field. The combine is provided with an impeller to assist in driving stover through a duct and into a container. The combine separates and cleans the stover and any seed before directing the stover and seed into separate containers provided on the combine.