Accelerator Roller Enhances Grain-MOG Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvesters face challenges in effectively stratifying grain and material other than grain (MOG) upstream of the cleaning unit, leading to inefficiencies in grain loss and separation during the processing of crop streams.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual return conveyor system and an accelerator roller that propels grain and MOG forwardly onto a stratification pan, utilizing the density difference between grain and MOG to enhance stratification, with the grain settling on lower layers and MOG on top, thereby improving the separation efficiency before entering the cleaning unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If material is conveyed from return conveyor to stratification pan by simple gravity feeding, then device complexity is reduced, but stratification quality deteriorates due to insufficient separation of grain and MOG
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerator roller changes the velocity parameter of material conveyance by rotating to propel grain and MOG forward onto the stratification pan at controlled speeds, enabling differential separation based on material properties while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerator roller acts as an intermediary mechanism between the return conveyor and stratification pan, using its rotating paddles to mediate the transfer of material and enable effective stratification without requiring complex conveyance systems
2Use of energy by moving object
If grain and MOG are conveyed together without acceleration, then energy consumption is reduced, but separation efficiency deteriorates due to mixed settling patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerator roller selectively changes the velocity parameter of grain and MOG during conveyance, creating differential motion that enhances separation efficiency while consuming minimal energy through passive gravitational settling combined with low-energy mechanical propulsion
3Speed
If material is projected with high velocity onto stratification pan, then stratification speed is improved, but grain loss increases due to excessive impact and bouncing
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerator roller applies partial acceleration to material, projecting grain and MOG onto the stratification pan at moderate velocities that are sufficient to enable effective stratification through density-based settling while avoiding excessive impact that would cause grain loss through bouncing or damage
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
This solution results in improved stratification and separation of grain and MOG, reducing grain loss and optimizing the cleaning process by ensuring a larger proportion of grain settles on lower layers while MOG rests on top, enhancing the overall efficiency of the grain cleaning unit.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the density difference between grain and MOG to enhance stratification, with the grain settling on lower layers and MOG on top
Implementation Method 2
material separated from the crop stream falls under gravity onto grain conveyance means
Data Source
AI summary
A combine harvester including threshing and separating apparatus which are arranged to process a cut crop stream and each having a grate arrangement through which material separated from the crop stream falls under gravity. Grain conveyance means arranged below the threshing and separating apparatus catch the falling grain and material other than grain (MOG). A stratification pan is located below a front region of the threshing and separating apparatus and a return conveyor is located below a rear region of the threshing and separating apparatus, both conveyors being driven in a oscillating manner. The return conveyor conveys said grain and MOG in a forward direction to a front edge thereof which is located above the stratification pan. The stratification pan conveys collected material rearwardly to a rear edge from where the collected material falls under gravity into a cleaning unit. An accelerator roller is provided and is rotatably driven on a transverse axis in front of the front edge of the return conveyor. Material caught by the return conveyor is incident upon the accelerator roller and paddles provided on the accelerator roller serve to accelerate the material from the return conveyor forwardly.