Corn Header Air Assist Reducing Grain Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional corn headers experience grain loss during harvesting due to shelling or threshing, where grains are dislodged from cobs and lost during transport to the combine.
Innovation Solution
A corn header system with a pressurized air flow mechanism that uses air channels and apertures along the deck plate and hood to blow crop material away from the row unit, preventing grain loss by directing it into the auger and away from stalk rolls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional transport methods are used to move grain to the combine, then the harvesting process is simple and straightforward, but grain loss occurs due to shelled grain passing through plates to stalk rolls and onto the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using air channels and air flow to transport shelled grain from the row unit. Air channels are formed in the hood to direct air flow beneath the gathering chain, creating a pneumatic conveyance system that prevents grain from falling onto stalk rolls and onto the ground, thereby reducing grain loss without requiring complex mechanical modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air flow as an intermediary medium between the shelling point and the combine. The air channels and air flow act as a mediator to carry shelled grain along a controlled path beneath the gathering chain and into the combine, preventing direct contact with stalk rolls and ground that would otherwise cause grain loss
2Loss of substance
If ears of corn are allowed to hit various parts of the header profile during harvesting, then the harvesting process is simple without additional components, but shelling and threshing of grain from the cob occurs causing grain loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by incorporating air channels within the hood structure that direct air flow to create a protective zone. This air flow prevents ears of corn from impacting header components that would cause shelling and threshing, reducing grain loss while integrating the protective function into the existing hood structure rather than adding separate mechanical protective devices
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the ears of corn and the header profile components. The air channels direct this protective air flow to cushion and redirect crop material, preventing harmful impacts that would otherwise dislodge grain from the cob without requiring additional mechanical protective structures
3Loss of substance
If air channels with apertures are added to the deck plate to blow crop material away, then grain loss is reduced by directing grain into the auger, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the porous materials principle by incorporating air channels with apertures in the deck plate. These apertures allow air flow to pass through and act upon crop material, creating a controlled pneumatic field that directs shelled grain away from loss-prone areas and into the auger for proper conveyance, reducing grain loss through a relatively simple structural modification
Solution Approach 2:
The air channels with apertures in the deck plate create a pneumatic system that uses pressurized air flow to actively manage crop material direction. The apertures serve as outlets for the air flow to blow shelled grain away from stalk rolls and onto the auger, providing an effective grain loss reduction mechanism through pneumatic action rather than complex mechanical guidance systems
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
Effectively reduces grain loss by using air flow to keep grains from falling onto stalk rolls and ensures they are transported into the combine, improving harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a system for generating a pressurized air flow configured to blow crop material away from the row unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A header for a combine harvester is provided. The header includes a row unit, a knife mount and a cutting blade. The knife mount is mounted to the row unit. The cutting blade is mounted to the knife mount and includes a leading cutting edge, and a tail end configured to generate a flow of air substantially transverse to a major plane of the cutting blade.