Foldable Frame Cutting Mechanism for Whole Plant Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cutting mechanisms for whole plant harvesting are cumbersome and not suitable for larger plants, and they cannot be easily transported due to rigid structures, leading to inefficiencies in operation and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A cutting mechanism with a frame that can be folded for compact transport, featuring mowing elements with lower cutting disks and conveyor rotors that share a common drive shaft, and transverse conveyors that can be adjusted for width, allowing for efficient harvesting and transport of larger plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame structure is used for cutting mechanisms, then structural stability is improved, but transportability deteriorates due to inability to fold into compact position
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments (first lateral part, second lateral part, middle part) that can be folded relative to each other. The lateral parts are foldably connected to the middle part, allowing the frame to be collapsed into a compact transport position while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The lateral parts can be folded upward and inward to overlap with the middle part, enabling the frame to adapt between operational and transport configurations.
2Volume of moving object
If lateral parts are swiveled upward by 90 degrees for transport, then compactness is improved, but operating width is reduced due to view restriction for operator
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral parts are folded in a longitudinal direction (along the length of the machine) rather than only laterally. This allows the frame to achieve compactness by overlapping sections along the longitudinal axis, preserving lateral visibility for the operator while still reducing overall transport dimensions.
3Productivity
If separate transverse conveyors are used for each lateral part, then harvesting capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two transverse conveyors are merged into a single shared conveyor system. Both lateral parts feed crops onto the same conveyor belt that runs along the middle part, which then transports all crops to the delivery opening. This reduces the number of separate conveyor systems while maintaining harvesting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared transverse conveyor serves multiple functions: it receives crops from both lateral parts, transports all crops longitudinally, and delivers them through the single delivery opening. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while maintaining productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If middle part with delivery conveyor is made narrow, then transportability is improved, but operating width is limited restricting lateral parts placement
Solution Approach 1:
The frame width is made dynamic through the foldable lateral parts. During operation, the lateral parts extend outward to provide full operating width. During transport, the lateral parts are folded inward and upward to overlap with the middle part, achieving compactness without permanently limiting the operational area.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting mechanism for the harvesting of whole plants can include a number of mowing elements, which include a lower cutting disk and conveyor rotors located above, two transverse conveyors located in the back, and a delivery conveyor. The cutting disks of the mowing elements work together with a frame-affixed counter-blade and can be driven together with the corresponding conveyor rotors by a shaft. The shafts are driven by a gear arrangement that extends, on the front side, over the width of the cutting mechanism. The frame of the cutting mechanism can include a middle part and lateral parts that are placed so they can swivel, on the middle part, between a horizontal operating position and a raised transporting position.