Harvester self-cleaning fan combined with bionics
By designing a biomimetic papilla structure on the surface of the harvester fan blades and integrating a dynamic balance monitoring system and a high-pressure gas cleaning system, the dynamic balance problem caused by fan contamination was solved, achieving self-cleaning and real-time monitoring, thus improving equipment safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing harvester fans are susceptible to contamination from crops with high moisture content during operation, leading to dynamic imbalance, which in turn causes bearing wear, increased vibration, and even equipment damage and safety accidents. Existing cleaning methods are inefficient and easily damage the blades.
The design incorporates a papillary structure on the blade surface based on biomimetic principles. Combined with a non-contact dynamic balance monitoring and passive cleaning system, it achieves self-cleaning using high-pressure gas injection. A servo motor and camera are integrated for real-time monitoring and cleaning.
This technology integrates active anti-fouling and passive cleaning during wind turbine operation, improving safety and equipment durability, reducing the risk of blade damage, and increasing operational efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN121676443A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of harvester fan technology, and in particular to a self-cleaning harvester fan that incorporates bionics. Background Technology
[0002] In existing technologies, harvester blowers are often contaminated by sap from crops with high water content (such as sweet corn and edamame) during operation. This viscous liquid easily adheres to the surface of the blower blades. As contaminants accumulate, it can lead to imbalance in the blower's motor, causing bearing wear, increased blower vibration, and even equipment damage and safety accidents. Currently, common cleaning methods involve manual scraping or washing after the machine is stopped, which is inefficient and can easily damage the blade surface. Furthermore, real-time monitoring and automatic cleaning during operation are not feasible.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intelligent fan system with self-monitoring and self-cleaning functions to improve operational safety and equipment lifespan. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a biomimetic self-cleaning fan for harvesters, aiming to solve or improve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides a biomimetic self-cleaning fan for a harvester, comprising: The main body of the fan includes the fan casing, fan shaft, and blade structure; An active antifouling system includes a plurality of papillary structures disposed on the surface of the blade structure; A dynamic balance monitoring system is installed on the bearing housing of the fan shaft to monitor the dynamic balance status of the fan shaft. A passive cleaning system is installed on the fan casing to perform pneumatic cleaning of the blade structure based on the monitoring results of the dynamic balance monitoring system.
[0006] Optionally, the blade structure includes a front blade plate and a rear blade plate.
[0007] Optionally, the papilla structure is integrated onto the surface of the leaf structure by 3D scanning of the lotus leaf surface and using 3D printing technology.
[0008] Optionally, the dynamic balance monitoring system includes a non-contact triaxial accelerometer and a controller. The non-contact triaxial accelerometer is installed on the bearing housing of the fan shaft and is used to monitor the vibration data of the fan shaft in real time. The controller is used to compare the monitoring data of the non-contact triaxial accelerometer with a preset normal operating parameter range to determine whether the fan shaft is in a dynamic balance state.
[0009] Optionally, the passive cleaning system includes a miniature high-pressure air pump connected to the controller, with an air pump nozzle connected via an air pipe, the air pump nozzle facing the blade structure, and the miniature high-pressure air pump connected to the controller.
[0010] Optionally, the passive cleaning system further includes a servo motor connected to the controller, which drives the air pump nozzle to rotate via a gear transmission mechanism, wherein the air pump nozzle is tilted.
[0011] Optionally, a camera connected to the controller is installed at the discharge port of the fan casing to observe the residual pollutants on the surface of the blade structure when an anomaly is detected.
[0012] Optionally, a hydraulic motor may also be included, which is connected to the fan shaft via a coupling.
[0013] Optionally, there are reinforcing ribs between the front plate and the rear plate of the blade.
[0014] Optionally, it also includes a suction duct that communicates with the inner cavity of the fan housing.
[0015] This invention discloses the following technical effects: By mimicking the papillary structure of a lotus leaf, an active anti-fouling structure is formed on the blade surface, effectively reducing contaminant adhesion. Simultaneously, an integrated passive cleaning system monitors the wind turbine's dynamic balance in real time and automatically initiates high-pressure gas jet cleaning when necessary. This non-contact cleaning method improves safety and reduces damage to the blade surface. This invention combines biomimetic principles with intelligent control, achieving integrated active anti-fouling and passive cleaning of the wind turbine during operation, significantly improving the wind turbine's operating efficiency and durability. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention from another angle.
[0017] In the diagram: 1. Fan housing; 2. Fan shaft; 3. Blade structure; 31. Blade front plate; 32. Blade back plate; 33. Reinforcing rib; 4. Non-contact triaxial accelerometer; 5. Miniature high-pressure air pump; 6. Air pipe; 7. Air pump nozzle; 8. Servo motor; 9. Gear transmission mechanism; 10. Hydraulic motor; 11. Coupling; 12. Suction tube; 13. Ultrasonic vibrator. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0019] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0020] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides a biomimetic self-cleaning fan for a harvester, comprising: The main body of the fan includes the fan casing 1, the fan shaft 2, and the blade structure 3; An active antifouling system, including several papillary structures disposed on the surface of blade structure 3; A dynamic balance monitoring system is installed on the bearing housing of the fan shaft 2 to monitor the dynamic balance status of the fan shaft 2. A passive cleaning system is installed on the fan casing 1 to perform pneumatic cleaning of the blade structure 3 based on the monitoring results of the dynamic balance monitoring system.
[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the blade structure 3 includes a front blade plate 31 and a rear blade plate 32.
[0022] Dividing the blade structure into three parts, namely the front plate and the rear plate, makes it easier to design different anti-fouling and cleaning strategies for different parts, thereby improving the targeting and effectiveness of cleaning.
[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the papillary structure is integrated onto the surface of the leaf structure 3 by 3D scanning of the lotus leaf surface and using 3D printing technology.
[0024] Using 3D scanning and printing technology, the microstructure of the lotus leaf surface was accurately replicated, giving the leaf surface excellent anti-fouling properties while maintaining the overall strength and rigidity of the leaf.
[0025] The surface of lotus leaves contains micron-sized papillae with a diameter of 5-10 μm. This structure traps a large amount of air on the surface, preventing liquid from wetting it. Therefore, the surface of leaf structure 3 was designed with a papillae structure. Sample fabrication process: First, fresh lotus leaf samples were collected, cleaned, and then freeze-dried for shaping. Using 3D confocal scanning technology, a 3D scanner emits a detection signal to the surface of the lotus leaf to capture the three-dimensional coordinate information of each point on the surface, and then software is used to reconstruct a high-precision three-dimensional structural model. 3D imaging revealed that the contact angle of the lotus leaf papillae (i.e., the papillae structure on the surface of the leaf structure 3) is between 150° and 160°, and the roll-off angle is between 2° and 8°, which can effectively achieve active anti-fouling effect.
[0026] Furthermore, the front blade plate 31 and the rear blade plate 32 are fabricated together with the papilla structure using 3D printing technology.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic balance monitoring system includes a non-contact triaxial accelerometer 4 and a controller. The non-contact triaxial accelerometer 4 is installed on the bearing seat of the fan shaft 2 and is used to monitor the vibration data of the fan shaft 2 in real time. The controller is used to compare the monitoring data of the non-contact triaxial accelerometer 4 with a preset normal operating parameter range to determine whether the fan shaft 2 is in a dynamic balance state.
[0028] The non-contact triaxial accelerometer avoids the additional vibration and wear that may occur with traditional contact sensors, improving the accuracy and reliability of monitoring. The controller can analyze data in real time, quickly respond to dynamic balance anomalies, and ensure stable operation of the wind turbine.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the passive cleaning system includes a miniature high-pressure air pump 5 connected to a controller, and an air pump nozzle 7 connected to the system via an air pipe 6. The air pump nozzle 7 faces the blade structure, and the miniature high-pressure air pump 5 is connected to the controller.
[0030] The miniature high-pressure air pump 5 is small in size and light in weight, making it easy to integrate into the outside of the fan housing 1. At the same time, it can provide sufficient air pressure for efficient cleaning, reducing energy consumption and noise generation.
[0031] Furthermore, the gas injected by the air pump nozzle 7 can also be pulsed, which can be adjusted by the controller.
[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the passive cleaning system further includes a servo motor 8 connected to a controller, which drives the air pump nozzle 7 to rotate via a gear transmission mechanism 9, wherein the air pump nozzle 7 is inclined.
[0033] The servo motor drives the air pump nozzle to rotate, achieving all-round cleaning of the blades, improving the cleaning coverage and effect, and reducing cleaning dead spots.
[0034] Furthermore, the air pump nozzle 7 is rotatably connected to the blower housing 1 and connected to the air pipe 6 through a rotary joint. The gear transmission mechanism 9 includes a pair of meshing gears, which are respectively connected to the output shafts of the air pump nozzle 7 and the servo motor 8.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a camera connected to a controller is provided at the discharge port of the fan housing 1 to observe the residual pollutants on the surface of the blade structure 3 when an abnormality is detected.
[0036] The camera can visually display the residual pollutants on the blade surface, providing the controller with accurate cleaning decisions, and also facilitating remote monitoring and fault diagnosis.
[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydraulic motor 10 is also included, which is connected to the fan shaft 2 via a coupling 11.
[0038] The hydraulic motor 10 provides a stable and reliable power source, and can adjust the fan speed according to the operation requirements, thus optimizing the operation efficiency and energy utilization.
[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is a reinforcing rib 33 between the front blade plate 31 and the rear blade plate 32.
[0040] The stiffener 33 enhances the structural strength of the blade front plate 31 and the blade rear plate 32, and improves the resistance to deformation.
[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, a suction duct 12 is also included, which is connected to the inner cavity of the fan housing 1.
[0042] The suction duct 12 can optimize airflow organization, improve fan efficiency, and facilitate pollutant collection.
[0043] Furthermore, a piezoelectric ceramic ring ultrasonic vibrator 13 is coaxially mounted on the fan shaft 3, which emits ultra-high frequency vibrations up to 35KHz. When pollutants are dried and adhere firmly to the blade structure 3, and the air pump is insufficient to blow the pollutants off, the ultrasonic vibrator 13 increases the cleaning rate and achieves better cleaning results.
[0044] Working principle: Before the fan leaves the factory, its normal parameter range is recorded by sensors under normal and stable operating conditions. Then, a non-contact triaxial accelerometer 4 is installed on the bearing housing to monitor the dynamic balance of the fan shaft 2. The obtained data is compared with the data under normal and stable operating conditions to determine whether it is in a balanced state. When an abnormality is detected, the residual contaminants on the blades are observed through a camera installed at the discharge port of the fan housing 1. When too many contaminants are found, a miniature high-pressure air pump 5 is started. The air pump nozzle 7 is connected to the miniature high-pressure air pump 5 through an air pipe 6. The air pump nozzle 7 is curved and can be rotated by the gear on the air pump nozzle 7 driven by the gear of the servo motor 8 to spray high-pressure gas (the sprayed gas can also be pulsed) onto the front and rear plates of the blades, thereby cleaning the contaminants.
[0045] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
[0046] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A self-cleaning fan of a harvester combined with bionics, characterized in that, The fan body comprises a fan shell (1), a fan shaft (2), and a blade structure (3). The active anti-fouling system comprises a plurality of papillary structures arranged on the surface of the blade structure (3). The dynamic balance monitoring system is arranged on the bearing seat of the fan shaft (2) and is used for monitoring the dynamic balance state of the fan shaft (2). The passive cleaning system is arranged on the fan shell (1) and is used for aerodynamic cleaning of the blade structure (3) according to the monitoring result of the dynamic balance monitoring system. The blade structure (3) comprises a blade front plate (31) and a blade rear plate (32).
2. A self-cleaning blower for a harvester incorporating biomimicry according to claim 1, wherein, The papillary structure is integrated on the surface of the blade structure (3) by 3D scanning of a lotus leaf surface and 3D printing technology.
3. A self-cleaning blower for a harvester incorporating biomimicry as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The dynamic balance monitoring system comprises a non-contact three-axis acceleration sensor (4) and a controller.
4. A self-cleaning blower for a harvester incorporating bionics as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The non-contact three-axis acceleration sensor (4) is installed on the bearing seat of the fan shaft (2) and is used for real-time monitoring of vibration data of the fan shaft (2).
5. A self-cleaning fan for a harvester incorporating bionics as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The controller is used for comparing the monitoring data of the non-contact three-axis acceleration sensor (4) with a preset normal operation parameter range and judging whether the fan shaft (2) is in a dynamic balance state.
6. A self-cleaning fan for a harvester incorporating bionics as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The passive cleaning system comprises a micro high-pressure air pump (5) connected with the controller.
7. A self-cleaning fan for a harvester incorporating bionics as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The air pump nozzle (7) is connected with the air pipe (6) and faces the blade structure.
8. A self-cleaning fan for a harvester incorporating bionics as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The micro high-pressure air pump (5) is connected with the controller.
9. A self-cleaning fan for a harvester incorporating bionics as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The passive cleaning system further comprises a servo motor (8) connected with the controller.
10. A self-cleaning fan for a harvester incorporating bionics as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The air pump nozzle (7) is driven to rotate by the gear transmission mechanism (9). The air pump nozzle (7) is arranged obliquely. A camera connected with the controller is arranged at the discharge port of the fan shell (1) and is used for observing the residual situation of the pollutants on the surface of the blade structure (3) when an abnormality is monitored. A hydraulic motor (10) is connected with the fan shaft (2) through a shaft coupling (11). The blade front plate (31) and the blade rear plate (32) are provided with reinforcing ribs (33). An air suction cylinder (12) is connected with the inner cavity of the fan shell (1).