Self-Resetting Stubble Stomper Hinge for Breakaway Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stubble stompers for agricultural machines face issues such as bending, loosening, jamming, or breaking during loading/unloading, inability to adapt to large objects, and requiring manual removal when reversing, due to their rigid design and lack of self-resetting capability.

Innovation Solution

A stubble stomper with a self-resetting breakaway feature, featuring a stomper mounting bracket, hinge assembly, and pivotally attached stomper shoe, allowing for rotation between default and breakaway positions, and utilizing torsion springs for automatic adjustment and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the stubble stomper uses a rigid attachment to the agricultural machine, then the stomper shoe provides consistent crushing force, but it loosens, bends, jams, or breaks during loading and unloading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrushing force consistencyVSAvoidattachment durability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a hinge assembly that allows the stomper shoe to rotate relative to the mounting bracket, transforming the rigid attachment into a dynamic, flexible connection. This enables the attachment to adapt to loading/unloading forces while maintaining crushing effectiveness during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly changes the structural parameter from fixed/rigid to movable/flexible, allowing the attachment to withstand variable forces during different operational phases (loading, crushing, unloading) without breaking or loosening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the stubble stomper is rigidly attached to the agricultural machine, then it maintains stable position during forward operation, but it jams or becomes lodged when the machine travels in reverse direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestomper position stabilityVSAvoiddirectional adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly enables the stomper shoe to dynamically adjust its position and orientation based on the direction of travel. During forward operation, it maintains stable contact with the ground; during reverse travel, it can pivot to avoid jamming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the stubble stomper encounters large objects such as rocks, then it provides strong crushing force, but it breaks or loosens from the agricultural machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrushing forceVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly acts as a protective mechanism that absorbs and redirects excessive forces from encountering large objects like rocks. Instead of transmitting these shock loads directly to the attachment points, the hinge allows controlled movement that cushions the impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly serves as an intermediary element between the stomper shoe and the mounting bracket, mediating the transmission of forces and protecting the attachment system from damage caused by encountering large objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the stubble stomper requires manual removal for reverse travel, then it avoids damage during reverse operation, but it reduces operational efficiency and productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly enables the stomper shoe to automatically adapt and protect itself during reverse travel without requiring manual intervention. The self-resetting feature allows the shoe to return to its operational position automatically after reverse movement, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables secure operation over various terrains, adapts to obstructions, and automatically resets to the default position, preventing damage and ensuring continuous functionality without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge assembly rotatably attached to the stomper mounting bracket and rotatable between a default position and a breakaway position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a stomper shoe pivotally attached to the hinge assembly for engaging crop stubble as the agricultural machine travels across a field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12622352B2Stubble stomper with self-resetting breakaway feature

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 MACDON INDS

AI summary

A stubble stomper is disclosed that attaches to a crop harvesting header on an agricultural machine. The stubble stomper includes a mounting bracket that attaches to the header frame of the crop harvesting header, a hinge assembly that is rotatably attached to the stomper mounting bracket and is rotatable between a default position and a breakaway position, and a stomper shoe that is pivotally attached to the hinge assembly. The stubble stomper has a self-resetting feature from the breakaway position that allows the stubble stomper to re-engage to its default position as the agricultural machine moves in a forward direction of travel.