Stomping Shoe Assembly with Stalk Cutter for Harvester Headers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for clearing stripped corn stalks after harvesting are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring additional field work and significant power, increasing the cost of corn production.

Innovation Solution

A stomping shoe assembly for agricultural harvesters equipped with a stalk cutter mounted to a stomping shoe, which extends from a curved distal end to a planar proximal end, allowing for efficient cutting and breaking down stalks without additional power, featuring a pivotable and shear bolt-protected stalk cutter for adaptability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods are used to clear stripped stalks after harvesting, then the field is cleared for subsequent planting, but additional field work is required which is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield clearance efficiencyVSAvoidtime for additional field work

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the stalk cutting function with the harvesting operation by mounting cutters on the header. This merges two previously separate operations (harvesting and stalk clearance) into one simultaneous process, eliminating the need for additional field work and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If conventional methods are used to clear stripped stalks, then stalks are knocked down or chopped, but extensive amounts of power are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestalk clearance capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutter assembly utilizes the existing motion and power of the harvesting machine itself to perform stalk cutting. The cutters are driven by the header's movement through the crop, converting the harvesting operation's kinetic energy into cutting action without requiring separate power sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If stalks are left standing after harvesting, then erosion control and natural fertilizer benefits are maintained, but they interfere with planting of subsequent crops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerosion controlVSAvoidfield readiness for planting

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs stalk cutting during the harvesting operation itself, preparing the field for subsequent planting in advance. By cutting stalks as they are harvested rather than leaving them standing, the field is pre-conditioned for the next crop cycle while still maintaining erosion control benefits through controlled placement of cut material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11647693B2Stomping shoe assembly for an agricultural harvester header

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A stomping shoe assembly for an agricultural harvester header including a stomping shoe having a substantially planar proximal end for connecting to an agricultural harvester header, and a curved distal end for engaging crop. The assembly further includes a stalk cutter having an elongated body mounted to the stomping shoe and extending from the stomping shoe from the curved distal end to the substantially planar proximal end. Also provided is an agricultural harvester header including the stomping shoe assembly.