Adjustable Deflector for Crop Residue Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural combine systems face challenges in achieving even crop residue distribution due to variations in crop residue flow from axially arranged threshing systems, resulting in uneven distribution patterns on fields, which can affect future crop growth and equipment functionality.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable crop residue flow deflector is positioned within the combine to redirect the flow from the threshing system to the distribution system, allowing for precise control of the transverse location and amount of residue entering the distribution system, using a remotely controllable actuator to ensure even distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed deflector is used to redirect crop residue flow, then the residue distribution can be improved for certain conditions, but the system cannot adapt to different crop types and operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the deflector adjustable and movable rather than fixed. The deflector can be positioned at different locations and angles to adapt to various crop types (wheat, corn, soybeans) and operating conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal residue distribution uniformity across diverse scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the deflector's position, angle, and orientation. These parameter adjustments enable the system to optimize residue flow redirection for different crop characteristics and threshing conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining precision and achieving versatility
2Manufacturing precision
If the deflector is positioned to redirect more residue to one side, then distribution to that side improves, but the other side receives insufficient residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by providing an adjustable deflector that can be moved to different positions and orientations. This allows operators to dynamically adjust the residue flow distribution to achieve even side-to-side distribution, and the adjustment mechanism makes the operation manageable despite the added complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If the deflector structure is made complex to achieve precise control, then residue distribution control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the deflector control into separate adjustment mechanisms for different degrees of freedom (position, angle, orientation). This modular approach allows precise control of transverse location while keeping each individual mechanism relatively simple, resolving the contradiction between precision and overall system complexity
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
The solution ensures a more uniform distribution of crop residue across the field, improving crop growth conditions and reducing equipment operational issues by adjusting the deflector's position to balance residue flow into the chopper and spreader.
Implementation Method 1
a crop residue flow deflector which is adjustably positionable within a range of positions so as to be impinged to a desired extent by a flow of crop residue from an axially extending rotor and concave assembly, for transitioning or deflecting the flow to the residue distribution system
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~10
AI summary
Adjustable deflector (52) apparatus for transitioning crop residue from an axially arranged threshing system (22) of a combine (20) to a crop residue distribution system (24) is disposed in a position such that at least a portion of a crop residue flow from the threshing system (22) will strike or impinge the deflector (52) and be deflected thereby downwardly and transversely toward the crop residue distribution system (24). An adjusting mechanism (62, 64, 66) is operable for moving the deflector (52) in relation to an internal side (38) of the combine for adjusting a desired parameter or parameters of the deflected flow.