Corn Cob Collection Device Stowable Conveyor Husk Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cob collection devices fail to reliably remove attached husks and leaves from cobs, leading to increased volume and reduced value of collected cobs, and have limited adaptability for travel over public thoroughfares and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A cob collection device with an adjustable conveyor system that includes husking rolls to mechanically detach husks from cobs and an inclined conveyor for distributing cobs within a compact container, allowing for efficient cob storage and travel under bridges and utility wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is used to collect cobs, then cob collection efficiency is improved, but the system cannot reliably remove attached husks and leaves from cobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the husk removal function from the basic conveyor system by adding a separate husk removal mechanism with rotating husk removal elements that actively strip husks and leaves from cobs as they pass through the conveyor, thereby reliably removing contaminants while maintaining collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cob collection conveyor with a husk removal mechanism into an integrated system where cobs are conveyed and simultaneously de-husked within the same device, resolving the contradiction by combining both functions in one reliable system
2Quantity of substance
If collected cobs contain attached husks and stover, then collection volume is increased, but storage capacity and value are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts husks and stover from the collected cobs through the husk removal mechanism, removing unwanted material that would otherwise occupy valuable storage space, thereby increasing the effective storage capacity for actual cob material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards husks and stover from the cob collection stream through the husk removal mechanism, separating valuable cobs from low-value contaminants, which maximizes storage capacity and economic value of the collected material
3Ease of operation
If the conveyor system is extended to distribute cobs, then cob distribution is improved, but the system cannot travel under bridges and utility wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conveyor system dynamic and adjustable, allowing it to be reconfigured or collapsed to a compact state for traveling under bridges and utility wires, while maintaining full distribution capability when deployed in the field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conveyor system into adjustable sections that can be reconfigured for different operational modes, enabling both effective cob distribution during harvesting and compact storage for navigating infrastructure limitations
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 effectively separates husks from cobs, maximizing storage capacity and adaptability, ensuring efficient cob collection and transportation while maintaining soil nutrient levels by returning residual stover to the field.
Implementation Method 1
husking rolls extending therebetween defining an upwardly facing surface configured and positioned for receiving the flow of cobs including husks and conveying the cobs to the second end
Implementation Method 2
apparatus configured and operable for mechanically grasping and detaching the husks from the cobs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cob collection device (32) for use with a corn harvester, includes a conveyor system (52) including a portion (60) for positively removing or cleaning attached husks from the cobs after removal of corn therefrom by the harvester, the conveyor system (52) including an upwardly inclined conveyor portion (64) operably movable in cooperation with the collection device (32) for distributing delivery of cobs thereto, the cob collection device (32) having a wall portion (42) including an aperture (46) for receiving the inclined conveyor portion, and a door (48/50) for closing the aperture (46) when the conveyor is removed, allowing unloading of the collection device (32), and stowage of the conveyor in a compacted manner to facilitate travel under bridges, utility wires, doorways and the like.