Segmented Harvesting Header for Straw Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting headers for combine harvesters face challenges when processing long-stemmed grain, as additional cutting units must be dimensioned low to fit under the feeder, limiting the header's ability to lower and resulting in inefficient processing of straw, which can damage grain during threshing.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting header design with a middle section for stalk processing and lateral sections for grain harvesting, where stalks are cut and fed to an inclined conveyor, allowing straw to be processed alongside grain, reducing the need for a low-positioned additional cutting unit and minimizing grain damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional cutting units are positioned low to fit under the feeder house, then the header can accommodate the feeder house structure, but the header cannot be lowered further and straw processing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into lateral sections for grain harvesting and a central section for stalk processing. The additional cutting device is positioned only in the lateral sections, while the central section allows stalks to be fed to the conveyor house, enabling both header lowering and adequate straw processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the header have different functions: lateral sections process grains with additional cutting units, while the central section processes stalks by feeding them to the conveyor house. This local differentiation allows optimal performance for each function without compromising the other.
2Ease of manufacture
If additional cutting units are positioned low to fit under the feeder house, then the feeder house can be accommodated, but design freedom and options are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The additional cutting device is segmented to operate only in lateral sections, freeing the central area under the feeder house. This provides design freedom for the feeder house while maintaining cutting capability where needed.
3Area of stationary object
If additional cutting units extend across the entire header width, then complete stalk coverage is achieved, but the cutting unit must be dimensioned very low
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting coverage is segmented to lateral sections only, allowing the cutting unit to be positioned higher. The central section handles stalks differently by feeding them to the conveyor house, achieving complete functional coverage without requiring low positioning.
4Loss of energy
If very little material other than grain passes through the combine harvester, then energy-intensive processing is reduced, but aggressiveness of threshing devices increases causing grain damage
Solution Approach 1:
The central section is designed to feed stalks to the conveyor house, ensuring that a controlled amount of straw passes through the combine harvester. This local stalk feeding reduces threshing device aggressiveness and grain damage while avoiding excessive energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A harvesting header (18) for a combine harvester (10) for harvesting crop (76) with grains growing on stalks is equipped with a frame structure (44) movable in a forward direction (V) across a field, on which a harvesting device (46) extending over the entire width of the harvesting header (18) is attached for harvesting the grains of the crop (76), the flow of which can be fed through a rear discharge opening (84) of the harvesting header (18) to an inclined conveyor (20) of the combine harvester (10), as well as an additional cutting unit (48) for processing the stalks remaining on the field after the harvesting of the grains by the harvesting device (46), wherein the harvesting header (18) comprises a central section (50) positioned in front of the inclined conveyor (20), and a left section (54) and a right section (52) offset laterally from the central section (50).The harvesting attachment (18) is configured to feed incoming stalks together with the grains to the inclined conveyor (20) in the middle section (50).