Adjustable Dampening Device for Forage Harvester Transfer Chute
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesting machines face challenges in maintaining precise control over crop material transfer due to the adverse effects of permanent hydro-pneumatic dampening systems, which impair the process, especially when driving over uneven terrain, leading to potential loss of crop material and increased stress on transfer device fastening elements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable and controllable dampening device is integrated into the transfer device, allowing for adaptive dampening based on operating criteria such as ground speed, crop material throughput, and load conditions, utilizing a proportional valve and sensors to regulate the dampening rate and blockage, ensuring optimal control and protection during crop transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a permanent hydro-pneumatic dampening device is provided to cushion the transfer device, then the forces acting on the transfer device and its fastening elements are dampened, but the control of the crop material transfer process is greatly impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening device is designed with adjustable dampening characteristics that can be changed during operation. The control unit modifies the dampening force based on detected operating criteria (ground speed, crop material throughput, load conditions) to provide strong dampening when needed for protection but minimal dampening when control precision is required during harvesting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening device allows dynamic adjustment of its dampening parameters (stiffness, damping coefficient) based on operating conditions. When the harvesting machine operates on uneven terrain or during transport, the dampening characteristics are increased to protect the transfer device. During active crop material transfer to the hauling vehicle, the dampening is reduced or blocked to maintain precise control of the crop material stream.
2Reliability
If the dampening device is activated to protect the transfer device during uneven terrain traversal, then damage and loss are prevented, but control over the crop material stream is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening device operates periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit activates the dampening device only during specific phases when protection is needed (e.g., when driving over uneven terrain or during transport between fields). During the critical phase of loading the hauling vehicle, the dampening device is deactivated or its characteristics are adjusted to provide minimal interference, ensuring precise control of the crop material stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor operating criteria (ground speed, crop material throughput, load conditions) and feed this information to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the dampening device characteristics in real-time, activating dampening when protection is needed and reducing it when precision control is required, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision.
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 allows for precise control of the crop material stream, preventing damage and loss, while minimizing manufacturing costs by only engaging the dampening device when necessary, thus maintaining efficient operation and reducing material loss during uneven terrain traversal.
Implementation Method 1
it is known from the related art to operate transfer devices of this type—which are designed as upper discharge chutes—with hydro-pneumatic spring action. To cushion and/or dampen the transfer device of a self-propelled forage harvester, a permanent hydro-pneumatic dampening device with a 'nitrogen bladder reservoir' is provided
Implementation Method 2
at least one dampening device located between said vehicle body and said transfer device for dampening vibrations of said transfer device
Implementation Method 3
hydro-pneumatic spring action. To cushion and/or dampen the transfer device
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural harvesting machine, in particular a self-propelled forage harvester for picking up and processing crop material has a transfer device—which is located downstream from feeder and chopping devices and is swivelable around a horizontal and vertical axis—for transferring the crop material, and at least one dampening device—which is located between the vehicle body and the transfer device—for dampening the vibrations of the transfer device. The dampening device may be adjusted as a function of specified operating criteria in order to dampen the vibrations of the transfer device.