Adjustable Flow Guide for Straw Spreader Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop residue spreaders for agricultural combines often result in uneven distribution of crop residue across the field due to varying geographical and environmental conditions, leading to issues like clumping, uneven field insulation, and habitat creation for rodents and insects.
Innovation Solution
A flow distributor apparatus with a flow guide element and adjusting mechanism that allows for vertical, horizontal, or rotational movement relative to counter-rotating impellers, enabling precise control over the distribution of crop residue to achieve an even spread across the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed flow guide element is used in the spreader, then the structure is simple, but the crop residue distribution becomes uneven under varying terrain and wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide element is made adjustable relative to the spreader paddles, allowing dynamic repositioning to compensate for varying terrain and wind conditions. The element can be moved between multiple positions to optimize crop residue distribution patterns according to actual field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameters of the flow guide element are made variable, allowing adjustment of its location relative to the spreader paddles. This enables changing the distribution pattern parameters to adapt to different operating conditions without altering the basic structure.
2Extent of automation
If manual adjustment of the flow guide element is required, then the structure is simple, but the operator must leave the cab and adjustment time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-adjustment through automated control mechanisms that can reposition the flow guide element without operator intervention. The adjusting mechanism responds to control signals to automatically modify the distribution pattern according to varying field conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow guide element is fixed relative to the spreader paddles, then the structure is simple, but the spread width cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide element's position is made dynamically adjustable relative to the spreader paddles, enabling control over the spread width. The element can be repositioned to widen or narrow the distribution pattern as needed for different field conditions and crop types.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow distributor apparatus (40) for a vertical spreader (24) operable for discharging a flow of straw or other crop residue in a sideward direction over a field, the flow distributor apparatus (40) including a flow guide element (42), an adjusting mechanism (78), and a coupling connector (74) connecting the flow guide element (42) to the adjusting mechanism (78) for controllable repositioning of the flow guide element (42) relative to the impellers (28, 30). The flow guide element (42) is disposed generally adjacent to the back plate (36) of the spreader (24) and intermediate the impellers (28, 30) with an apex portion (44), laterally extending arm portions, and longitudinally extending crop residue flow surfaces, at least portions of which crop residue flow surfaces extend beneath the impellers (28, 30). The adjusting mechanism (78) is operable to effect at least either vertical, horizontal, or rotational movement of the flow guide element (42) relative to the impellers (28, 30) to adjustably vary the clearances between the outer swept diameters of the impellers (28, 30) and the crop residue flow surfaces to control the sidewardly outwardly discharge of crop residue from the spreader (24).