Adjustable Concaves on Suspension System for Combine Harvester
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop processing systems in combine harvesters face challenges in adjusting the running clearance and cross-sectional shape between rotary processing devices and stationary members, which affects processing efficiency across varying operating conditions and crop types.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a suspension assembly with adjustable concaves and grates that move relative to the rotor using an actuator-driven mechanism, allowing for simultaneous adjustment of clearance and reshaping of the threshing region to optimize processing action across different crop types and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the running clearance between the rotary processing device and stationary processing members is adjusted, then the processing system can accommodate different crop types and operating conditions, but the cross-sectional shape of the processing region does not remain optimal throughout the adjustment range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cross-sectional shape of the processing region adjustable through a mechanism that modifies the geometry of the stationary processing members. The shape adjustment mechanism allows the concave shape to be changed dynamically as the running clearance is adjusted, ensuring optimal processing action across the full range of clearance settings. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both clearance adjustment for different crops and maintained optimal shape for effective processing.
2Productivity
If the running clearance is reduced to improve processing action, then threshing efficiency increases, but the risk of mechanical interference and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the beforehand cushioning principle by incorporating a safety mechanism that prevents excessive reduction of running clearance. The system includes provisions to stop the closure movement before mechanical interference occurs, cushioning against potential damage. This allows the clearance to be reduced for improved threshing efficiency while maintaining reliability by preventing mechanical interference and equipment damage through pre-established safety limits.
3Productivity
If the processing region cross-sectional shape is adjusted to maintain optimal processing action, then processing efficiency is maintained across adjustment range, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the clearance adjustment mechanism with the shape adjustment mechanism into an integrated system. The same actuation system that adjusts the running clearance also controls the cross-sectional shape modification, allowing both functions to be performed through a unified control mechanism. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining processing efficiency across the adjustment range, as the mechanisms work together rather than as separate independent systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A combine harvester (10) where opposing concaves (24) on either side of a rotor (22) of a processing system (12) substantially simultaneously travel symmetrical paths. The concaves of the processing system may be supported on a suspension system (50) such that the concaves are pivotally supported from a common axial locatio (60) n at one end and translationally adjusted at another end to move the concaves generally radially toward or away from the rotor.