Corn Stalk Rollers with Chevron Protrusions for Tire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tough, genetically-modified corn stalks damage farm equipment tires and require extra horsepower and fuel for corn harvester combines, leading to slower harvesting speeds and uneven field distribution of shredded stalks and fodder.
Innovation Solution
Corn stalk rollers with chevron-patterned protrusions and expansion springs are mounted to the corn harvester combine to crush stalks to the ground, providing traction and reducing tire damage while maintaining contact with the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corn harvester combines use extra horsepower to shred tougher corn stalks, then the stalks are effectively processed, but fuel consumption increases and ground speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assemblies crush the corn stalks to ground level before the combine's shredding mechanism processes them. This preliminary crushing action reduces the stalks' toughness and makes them easier to shred, allowing the combine to process the stalks with normal horsepower settings rather than requiring extra power.
2Reliability
If corn harvester combines use extra horsepower to shred tougher corn stalks, then the stalks are effectively processed, but ground speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assemblies crush the corn stalks to ground level before the combine's shredding mechanism processes them. This preliminary crushing action reduces the stalks' toughness and makes them easier to shred, allowing the combine to process the stalks with normal horsepower settings and maintain normal ground speed.
3Reliability
If shredded corn stalks are left to decompose naturally, then they enrich the soil, but wind and water disperse them unevenly across the field
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assemblies crush the corn stalks to ground level immediately during harvesting, before wind and water can disperse them. This preliminary crushing action distributes the stalk material uniformly across the field surface, ensuring even decomposition and soil enrichment without the need for additional post-harvest equipment or operations.
4Reliability
If the first few inches of corn stalk remain upright at ground level, then they are left exposed, but they are the toughest part and most likely to damage farm tires
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assemblies crush the base of the corn stalks to ground level immediately during harvesting, before the combine proceeds. This preliminary crushing action eliminates the upright stalk portions that would otherwise remain exposed and pose a damage risk to farm tires during subsequent field operations.
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 solution reduces tire damage, conserves fuel, and ensures uniform decomposition of corn stalks, enhancing soil enrichment and reducing post-harvest field maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of expansion springs attached to the plurality of stationary mounting arms and to the plurality to pivot arm assemblies
Implementation Method 2
chevron-patterned protrusions on each of the plurality of roller assemblies for providing ground traction
Data Source
AI summary
Corn stalk rollers, comprising a plurality of roller assemblies pivotally mounted to and spanning the corn head of a corn harvest combine; an apparatus to bias the plurality of roller assemblies into contact with the ground while the corn harvest combine is harvesting corn; and chevron-patterned protrusions on each of the plurality of roller assemblies for providing ground traction and for aiding in crushing harvested corn stalks to ground level corn-field-wide.