Rotatable Tall Corn Attachment with Recessed Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing corn harvesting technologies require significant labor and time to mount and interchange attachments and powered augers on corn harvesters to handle corn stalks of different heights and locations, as multiple components need to be bolted, and powered augers cannot be mounted simultaneously with attachments.
Innovation Solution
A corn harvester design featuring a tall corn attachment that can be rotatably mounted to a divider, allowing it to be positioned between a stored and working position without interchanging components, with an auger mounted to the divider for collecting fallen or low corn stalks, and a latching mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (attachments and powered augers) are mounted to the divider using bolting, then the corn harvester can handle different corn stalk heights and locations, but the mounting and interchanging process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The tall corn attachment is designed to be rotatably mounted to the divider, allowing it to dynamically change position between a working position (extending from the top surface of the hood) and a stored position (received within the recessed area). This rotational capability eliminates the need for time-consuming bolting and unbolting operations, as the attachment can be quickly rotated into place or stowed away.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider is designed with a recessed area that can accommodate the tall corn attachment when not in use, allowing the same structural component to serve dual purposes: providing support for tall corn stalks when needed and storing the attachment to maintain a compact configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate storage mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If powered augers are mounted to the divider, then fallen or low corn stalks can be collected, but they cannot be mounted simultaneously with tall corn attachments, necessitating component interchange
Solution Approach 1:
The tall corn attachment is designed to nest within the recessed area of the hood when in the stored position. The recessed area is specifically configured to receive and accommodate the attachment, allowing it to be stored compactly without interfering with the powered auger or other components. This nesting arrangement enables the powered auger and tall corn attachment to coexist on the same divider without requiring interchange.
3Adaptability or versatility
If attachments are mounted to the divider, then tall corn stalks can be harvested, but the mounting process requires significant labor due to multiple bolting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable mounting mechanism replaces static bolting operations with a dynamic rotational joint. The attachment connects to the divider through a rotational interface that allows quick positioning without requiring multiple bolting operations. This reduces both the manufacturing complexity and the field installation effort significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
A corn harvester that includes a corn head including a plurality of dividers is provided. Each divider includes a hood with a top surface, and first and second side surfaces, one of the first or second side surfaces including a recessed area formed therein. The corn harvester includes an auger mounted to the hood. The auger is configured to be powered to rotate about an auger central axis. The corn harvester includes a tall corn attachment mounted to the hood and configured to be positioned in a stored position or a working position. In the stored position, the tall corn attachment is received within the recessed area of the hood. In the working position, the tall corn attachment extends from the top surface of the hood and at least partially covers a radial section of the auger.