Multicrop Harvesting with Compound Header Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters are not designed to efficiently harvest multiple crops simultaneously while maintaining separation of different crop flows, which can lead to intermingling and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A multicrop combine harvester with a compound header that includes two or more laterally arranged crop harvester types, each with its own conveyor system, allowing for separate crop flows to be processed or offloaded, with the option for one crop flow to be transported to processing equipment and the other to be offloaded unprocessed to a vehicle or onto the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single crop harvester type is used in the header, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to harvest multiple crops simultaneously is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple independent crop harvester types (e.g., corn harvester section and reel harvester section) that can simultaneously harvest different crops. Each section has its own harvesting mechanism optimized for specific crop types, allowing the header to handle multiple crops without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The compound header is designed to perform multiple harvesting functions simultaneously through different crop harvester types integrated into a single header structure. This multi-functional design allows one header to replace multiple single-purpose headers, improving versatility while managing complexity through integrated design.
2Manufacturing precision
If different crop harvester types are laterally arranged in the header, then the ability to maintain separate crop flows is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is segmented into separate conveyors for each crop harvester type, with each conveyor responsible for transporting its specific crop flow. This segmentation ensures that crops harvested by different mechanisms remain separated throughout the transport process, preventing intermingling while allowing independent optimization of each conveyor for its specific crop type.
Solution Approach 2:
Each crop conveyor is designed with specific characteristics optimized for its particular crop type (e.g., auger design for corn, belt design for grain). This local optimization of conveyor properties ensures efficient transport and maintains crop flow separation while adapting to the specific requirements of each crop being harvested.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple crop flows are processed through the same processing equipment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the crop flow separation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into separate processing equipment for different crop flows. Each processing equipment is dedicated to handling a specific crop type, ensuring that crops remain isolated throughout the processing operation. This segmentation allows each processing unit to be optimized for its specific crop while maintaining strict separation between different crop flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the processing function into separate equipment for each crop type, removing the possibility of intermingling that would occur if multiple crops shared the same processing equipment. This extraction of processing functions allows each crop to be handled independently through specialized equipment, maintaining purity and separation.
4Productivity
If one crop is offloaded unprocessed while another is processed, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offloading system is segmented into separate offloading mechanisms for processed and unprocessed crops. One conveyor system handles processed crop material to appropriate receptacles, while another system handles unprocessed crop material separately. This segmentation allows simultaneous offloading of different crop types in different states without interference, improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The offloading system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the combine to switch between processing and direct offloading modes for different crops based on requirements. The system can dynamically route different crop flows to different destinations (processed or unprocessed offloading) without requiring complete system reconfiguration, enabling flexible response to varying harvest conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Compound headers may include two or more crop harvester types that are operable to harvest different crops simultaneously, such as different crops grown in the same field in an intercropped relationship. The simultaneously harvested crops may be separated into individual crop flows that are handled separately from each other.