Stover Collection Head With Rake-Assisted Single-Pass Gathering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The collection of stover material from agricultural fields typically requires a multi-step process involving multiple apparatus, which is time-consuming, equipment-intensive, and can be hindered by equipment passage and time after harvest, making it inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural system that integrates gathering, cutting, and collecting functions into a single pass using an implement head with a lateral intake opening and a material gathering apparatus featuring rake assemblies to lift and guide plant material into the intake opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate apparatus are used for gathering, cutting, and collecting stover material, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple passes through the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate apparatus (gathering, cutting, and collecting equipment) into a single integrated implement head that performs all three functions simultaneously in one pass through the field, directly resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need for multiple sequential operations
Solution Approach 2:
The implement head is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions (gathering stover material, cutting it into pieces, and collecting it into a container) that were previously performed by separate specialized apparatus, thereby improving productivity while reducing time loss
2Productivity
If multiple apparatus are deployed for stover collection, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but equipment requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate apparatus into a single integrated implement head that combines gathering, cutting, and collecting functions, thereby maintaining comprehensive stover collection effectiveness while significantly reducing the number of equipment pieces required
Solution Approach 2:
The implement head serves as a universal multi-functional device that replaces multiple specialized apparatus, achieving the same comprehensive coverage and collection effectiveness with a single piece of equipment, thus reducing operational complexity
3Quantity of substance
If equipment passes through the field multiple times for different stover collection operations, then thorough collection is achieved, but soil compaction and equipment wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gathering, cutting, and collecting operations into a single simultaneous process that collects stover material in one pass, thereby achieving thorough collection (same quantity of stover) while eliminating the harmful effects of multiple repeated passes through the field
Solution Approach 2:
The gathering apparatus is positioned forward of the intake opening to pre-position stover material before it enters the cutting and collection system, ensuring thorough collection in a single pass without requiring subsequent re-passes that would cause soil compaction
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of stover collection by integrating multiple functions into a single pass, reducing time and equipment requirements while improving collection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the rake assemblies may be positioned such that the action of the rake assemblies tends to move the plant material in an upward direction with respect to the ground surface to facilitate collection of the plant material by the intake opening
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural system for collecting plant material may comprise an implement head to be moved across an agricultural field by a power unit along a path of movement. The head may have an intake opening through which plant materials move into the head. The system may further comprise a material gathering apparatus for enhancing collection of plant material, and may be carried by the head. The gathering apparatus may be selectively movable between an operational position forward of the intake opening and proximate to the ground surface to engage plant material, and an inactive position raised to a higher vertical level. The gathering apparatus may comprise a plurality of rake assemblies arranged in an array proximate to the intake opening such that the action of the rake assemblies tends to lift the material above the ground surface to facilitate intake of the plant material by the intake opening.