Foliage Processing Device for Tuber Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foliage pullers require additional operations to separate foliage from tubers, leading to inefficiencies and environmental concerns due to the need for chemical pesticides.

Innovation Solution

A foliage-processing device equipped with a foliage puller and a mechanism to remove foliage next to or between rows, utilizing rollers, a haulm topper, reaper, or shredder to streamline foliage removal, reducing the need for separate operations and chemical pesticides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a foliage puller is used to remove foliage, then foliage removal is achieved, but additional operations are required to separate foliage from tubers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting capacityVSAvoidnumber of operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the foliage puller with a foliage-processing mechanism (haulm topper, reaper, or shredder) into a single integrated device. This merging of functions allows foliage to be pulled off and processed in one operation, eliminating the need for separate foliage separation operations and increasing harvesting capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The foliage-processing mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the foliage puller for removing foliage from tubers, and the foliage-processing mechanism (haulm topper, reaper, or shredder) for processing the removed foliage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while working together in a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If foliage is removed using conventional methods, then foliage is cleared, but chemical pesticides are required leading to environmental concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidfoliage removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes foliage from the agricultural land using the foliage puller and processing mechanism, clearing it completely from the field. This mechanical removal eliminates the need for chemical pesticides that would otherwise be required to manage foliage, thereby reducing environmental impact while maintaining effective foliage clearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If foliage remains in the row during harvesting, then harvesting can proceed, but soil sifting becomes time-consuming and reduces harvesting capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting capacityVSAvoidsoil sifting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary foliage removal and processing before the harvesting operation begins. By clearing all foliage from the row in advance using the integrated foliage puller and processing mechanism, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming foliage separation during harvesting, thereby reducing soil sifting time and increasing overall harvesting capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient, single-operation clearing of foliage, reducing harvesting time and environmental impact by minimizing foliage pick-up during harvesting, thus increasing harvesting capacity and promoting a cleaner product.

Implementation Method 1

the foliage is moved in a direction facing away from the agricultural land by means of the rollers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the foliage cut off by means of the foliage-processing mechanism, optionally shredded by means of the foliage-processing mechanism, is moved laterally with respect to the direction of travel by blades and the air currents resulting therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir currents: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11076527B2Foliage-processing device and harvesting machine comprising such a foliage-processing device

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 PLOEGER OXBO HLDG BV

AI summary

The invention relates to a foliage-processing device which can be moved across agricultural land in a direction of travel for foliage of tuberous plants growing in rows on agricultural land, wherein the foliage-processing device is provided with:a foliage puller which is provided with at least two mutually oppositely rotating rollers between which foliage can be clamped and pulled off;a foliage-processing mechanism by means of which the foliage pulled off by means of the foliage puller can be removed next to a row or between the rows of tuberous plants growing on the agricultural land.