Multi-Section Flexible Stripper Header for Ground Contouring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wider stripper headers face challenges in maintaining optimal height above the ground due to varying ground levels, leading to rotor damage and increased seed loss, as they are rigid and unable to contour to the land without gaps.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section stripper header with pivotable sections and intermeshing crop engaging elements, allowing the header to adapt to ground contours while maintaining continuous crop engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the header width is increased to improve productivity, then the productivity increases, but the ability to maintain optimal height above ground deteriorates due to varying ground levels
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple sections (typically three: left, center, and right sections) that can pivot independently relative to each other. Each section has its own ground-following capability, allowing the wide header to adapt to varying ground levels across its width while maintaining optimal rotor-to-ground distance for productivity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the header is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability improves, but the ability to contour to ground variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The header incorporates dynamic elements including pivot joints between sections and spring-loaded or hydraulic height adjustment mechanisms. These allow the header to transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that actively adapts to ground contours while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the header into multiple independently adjustable sections, each section can respond to local ground conditions while the overall structure maintains stability. The segmented design allows differential movement without compromising the structural strength of individual sections.
3Productivity
If the rotor is positioned closer to the ground to improve crop engagement, then the crop engagement improves, but the risk of rotor damage from ground contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height of the rotor relative to the ground is made dynamic rather than fixed. Each header section can independently adjust its height position through spring-loaded mechanisms or hydraulic cylinders, allowing the rotor to maintain optimal crop engagement distance while automatically rising over obstacles or uneven ground to prevent damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A stripper header for combine includes a header frame carrying a stripper rotor with crop stripper elements and a transfer rotor or auger behind to transfer the collected heads to the feeder house. The header, stripper rotor and transfer auger are all divided into at least two typically three sections arranged end to end to pivot about a hinge line to accommodate changes in ground level. The hinge line passes through the axis of each of the stripper rotor and the transfer rotor. The stripper rotor has at the outer end of the center section a support plate spaced from the hinge line and a short portion with a coupling joint which connects to the inboard end of the wing section. The crop engaging elements of the sections of the stripper rotor are arranged so that they intermesh at the junction between the sections where this prevents interference and ensures no gaps.