Leaf Stripping Apparatus with Segmented Stalk Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated and semi-automated leaf strippers for agricultural crops, particularly tobacco, often damage stalks due to bending and deflection, leading to ineffective leaf removal and instability during the harvesting process.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a base frame, longitudinal members, cross members, and a stalk gripping assembly using drive belts and splined rollers to convey and strip leaves from stalks, along with a pivotable frame and dividers for sorting, ensures stable engagement and efficient leaf removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated or semi-automated leaf strippers are used to increase productivity, then the processing rate improves, but the stalks bend and deflect causing damage and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing rateVSAvoidstalk stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus segments the stalk support function into multiple lower stripping members distributed along the length of the stalk, rather than using a single engagement point. This distributes the mechanical load and prevents concentrated bending forces that would cause stalk damage while maintaining high processing rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lower stripping members act as intermediaries between the stalk and the upper stripping members, providing stable support and positioning for the stalk during the stripping operation. This intermediary support system prevents direct bending forces from being applied to the stalk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the stalks are engaged firmly to prevent movement during stripping, then stripping effectiveness improves, but the stalks may be broken or severely damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestripping effectivenessVSAvoidstalk integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping function is segmented into multiple lower stripping members that contact different portions of the stalk along its length. This distributed contact provides firm engagement for effective stripping while distributing forces to prevent localized stress concentrations that would cause breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus allows the stalk to maintain a natural, slightly flexible position during engagement rather than forcing it into a rigid fixed position. The lower stripping members conform to the stalk's natural curvature, providing stable engagement without inducing bending stresses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9149066B2Apparatus for stripping and sorting leaves from agricultural crops

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for stripping and sorting leaves from stalks of agricultural crops. The apparatus includes a base frame having a first longitudinal member, the first longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, and a second longitudinal member in a parallel spaced-relationship with the first longitudinal member, a plurality of cross members arranged perpendicularly along at least the first longitudinal member, each of the plurality of cross members having a lower stripping member for receiving the stalk of an agricultural crop, a plurality of upper stripping members, each upper stripping member positionable to cooperate with a corresponding lower stripping member to substantially encircle the stalk and stalk gripping assembly for engaging and conveying the stalk along the apparatus in a direction from the first end to the second end of the first longitudinal member.