Modular Sugarcane Harvester Chassis With Interchangeable Frame Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sugarcane harvesters require separate frame configurations for single row, multi-row, and header-based harvesting, necessitating substantial time and capital for machine variations, limiting adaptability to varying market demands and planting arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A modular frame assembly for sugarcane harvesters, comprising a base frame section and interchangeable front and rear frame sections, allowing for different harvesting configurations using shared components, such as single row, multi-row, and header-based setups, through removably coupled interface portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate frame configurations are designed for single row, multi-row, and header-based harvesting, then each harvesting configuration can be optimized for its specific operation, but substantial time and capital are required for development and deployment of multiple machine variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidframe configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into a base frame section and multiple interchangeable front frame sections. Each front frame section is designed with a common interface portion that couples to the base frame, while the unique frame arrangement in each section provides different harvesting configurations. This segmentation allows the harvester to be reconfigured for different operations by simply swapping front frame sections rather than designing entirely separate machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base frame section is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple types of front frame sections. The common interface portion between the base frame and interchangeable front frame sections enables a single base frame to serve multiple harvesting configurations (single row, multi-row, and header-based harvesting), making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate specialized machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple specialized frame designs are created for different harvesting operations, then each design can be optimized for its specific purpose, but development time and capital costs increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting operation performanceVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base frame section is pre-designed with standardized interface portions that anticipate future interchangeable front frame sections. By establishing the common interface architecture in advance, the base frame can accommodate multiple specialized front frame sections without requiring redesign, thus reducing development time for new harvesting configurations while maintaining optimized performance for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional harvesters are specifically adapted for each harvesting operation type, then each machine can be optimized for its specific use, but capital investment for multiple machine variations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting configuration flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple harvesting configurations are merged into a single harvester platform by combining a universal base frame section with interchangeable front frame sections. Instead of manufacturing separate machines for single row, multi-row, and header-based harvesting, the system merges these capabilities into one machine that can be reconfigured by swapping front frame sections, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and capital investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12471531B2Modular chassis assembly and system for a sugar cane harvester

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A modular frame system for a sugarcane harvester includes a base frame section having a forward end and an aft end, with the base frame section defining a forward interface portion at the forward end. The system also includes a plurality of interchangeable front frame sections configured to be removably coupled to the base frame section, with each front frame section having a unique frame arrangement as compared to the remainder of the interchangeable front frame sections such that each front frame section is adapted to provide a differing harvesting configuration for the sugarcane harvester when selected for installation on the base frame section. Moreover, each front frame section includes a front end and a rear interface end, with the rear interface ends of the interchangeable front frame sections defining a common interface portion configured to be coupled to the forward interface portion of the base frame section.