Harvesting Attachment Mulching Units Ground Contour Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corn harvesting attachments face issues with mulching devices that either extend over the entire width, leading to uneven stubble processing due to ground depressions or elevations, or are individually height-adjustable but costly and prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting attachment with mulching devices that are separately adjustable in height and follow the ground contour, supported by skids that maintain contact below the axis of rotation, driven via a gearbox connected to a central drive shaft, allowing for precise adaptation to ground undulations and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mulching devices extend across the entire width of the corn picker, then the ground coverage is improved, but the stubble processing becomes uneven due to ground depressions or elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The mulching device is divided into multiple independently height-adjustable mulching units, each capable of following ground contours separately. This segmentation allows the device to maintain ground coverage while ensuring uniform stubble processing across varying terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The mulching units are made dynamically adjustable in height relative to the frame, allowing them to adapt to ground undulations. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the active elements maintain consistent working height despite ground variations, resolving the contradiction between coverage and processing uniformity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mulching units are individually height-adjustable, then the adaptation to ground contours is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is segmented and distributed across multiple independent units rather than requiring a complex centralized system. Each unit has its own simple adjustment capability, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mulching unit is equipped with local height adjustment capability specific to its position, allowing independent adaptation to ground conditions. This local quality approach simplifies the overall system by avoiding the need for complex inter-connected adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If skids are positioned to support the mulching device, then the ground following capability is improved, but the active elements may engage in raised ground areas causing premature wear or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The skids are positioned at specific locations relative to the axis of rotation to provide localized support. This strategic positioning ensures that the mulching units follow ground contours while the active elements remain clear of raised ground areas, preventing premature wear and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The skids act as intermediary elements between the mulching units and the ground, providing support and guidance without allowing the active elements to contact the ground directly. This intermediary function protects the blades while maintaining ground following capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A harvesting header (20) for harvesting maize is equipped with a frame (84) that can be moved forward (V) across a field. One or more harvesting units (72) for harvesting maize plants are positioned laterally side by side on the frame. Mulching units (60) with actively driven elements (66) for processing the plant stumps (74) remaining in the ground after harvesting are arranged downstream of the harvesting unit(s) (72). The mulching units are vertically movable relative to the frame (84) and are supported by skids (64) located below the elements (66) that follow the ground contour. The mulching units (60) are supported vertically independently of one another on the frame (84).