Stalk Stomper Integrated Into Row Unit Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional row crop harvesters leave lower parts of plant stalks standing, which can puncture or damage tires, especially for crops like corn, and existing stomper mechanisms are bulky and exposed.
Innovation Solution
A row crop harvesting header with a plant stalk stomper mechanism attached to the toolbar using forward and aft fasteners, where the stomper is laterally aligned to engage and knock down severed stalks, ensuring they are securely attached and under tension between fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional stomper mechanism is attached to the row crop header, then severed stalks can be knocked down to prevent tire damage, but the stomper mechanism becomes bulky and exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The stomper mechanism is merged with the row unit assembly structure, utilizing the existing toolbar and fastener system. The stomper is integrated into the row unit bracket assembly, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate bulky stomper mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The row unit bracket assembly serves multiple functions: supporting the row unit, attaching to the toolbar, and housing the stomper mechanism. The fasteners used for row unit attachment are also used to secure the stomper, creating a multi-functional mounting system that reduces overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the stomper mechanism is positioned behind the header, then it can engage severed stalks, but it becomes exposed and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The stomper mechanism is nested within the row unit bracket assembly structure. The stomper components are housed within the existing bracket framework, utilizing the space already defined by the row unit support structure, thereby reducing exposure and eliminating the need for additional external components.
3Reliability
If fasteners are used to attach the stomper to the toolbar, then the stomper is securely mounted, but the mounting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The same fasteners and mounting holes used for attaching the row unit assembly to the toolbar are also used to secure the stomper mechanism. This universal mounting approach utilizes existing attachment points, eliminating the need for separate fastener holes and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A row crop harvesting header (24) operable to be advanced along a forward travel direction to harvest a series of plants in a crop row. The row crop harvesting header broadly includes a row crop toolbar (48), a crop-gathering row unit assembly, and a plant stalk stomper (42). The row crop toolbar (48) extends laterally relative to the forward travel direction. The row unit assembly is supported by the toolbar (48) to define a forwardly extending row path, with the row unit assembly being operable to collect the crop row along the row path and sever crop stalks as the header (24) moves forwardly. The row unit housing (54) is attached to the row crop toolbar (48) with forward and aft fasteners (44). The plant stalk stomper (42) is attached to the toolbar (48) with at least one of the fasteners (44).