Modular Harvester Attachment Quick Connector System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The agricultural industry faces high operating costs due to the need for multiple specialized machines for different crops, which remain idle for most of the year as they are designed for single tasks, leading to inefficiency and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A modular harvester system that includes a work vehicle with a removably coupled harvester attachment, utilizing a quick connector and support system to convert the vehicle into a multi-purpose harvester, allowing it to be used for various agricultural tasks and easily transformed back for other farming jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized harvesters are purchased for different crops, then harvesting capability for various crops is improved, but operating costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized work vehicle platform that can be configured for multiple harvesting operations through removable attachments. The vehicle serves as a universal platform that can perform cotton harvesting, grain harvesting, and other agricultural tasks by simply changing the attachment, eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the harvesting system into separate modular components: a standardized work vehicle platform and interchangeable harvesting attachments. This segmentation allows the vehicle to remain a general-purpose machine while the specific harvesting function is provided by removable attachments that can be changed based on crop type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized harvesters are purchased for different crops, then harvesting capability for various crops is improved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized work vehicle platform that can be configured for multiple harvesting operations through removable attachments. The vehicle serves as a universal platform that can perform cotton harvesting, grain harvesting, and other agricultural tasks by simply changing the attachment, eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized machines.
3Productivity
If specialized harvesters are used for single tasks, then harvesting efficiency for specific crops is improved, but idle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the harvesting system adaptable and reconfigurable. The removable attachments allow the vehicle to dynamically change its function based on the current harvesting needs, transitioning from one crop type to another without remaining idle. The system can be quickly reconfigured for different crops, maintaining continuous productivity.
4Quantity of substance
If a single vehicle is used for multiple harvesting tasks, then operating costs are reduced, but adaptability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the harvesting system into separate modular components: a standardized work vehicle platform and interchangeable harvesting attachments. This segmentation allows the vehicle to remain a general-purpose machine while the specific harvesting function is provided by removable attachments that can be changed based on crop type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized work vehicle platform that can be configured for multiple harvesting operations through removable attachments. The vehicle serves as a universal platform that can perform cotton harvesting, grain harvesting, and other agricultural tasks by simply changing the attachment, eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized machines.
Data Source
AI summary
A harvester system that includes a work vehicle. A harvester attachment removably couples to the work vehicle. The harvester attachment includes a tool bar. A quick connector couples to the tool bar. The quick connector removably couples and uncouples the harvester attachment to the work vehicle. A support system removably couples to the work vehicle. The support system supports operation of the harvester attachment.