Adjustable Joint for Combine Harvester Unloading Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain unloading systems in combine harvesters lack a strong and adjustable bendable auger connection, which affects the efficient unloading and distribution of grain, particularly when dealing with varying trailer heights and orientations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable joint is introduced between the lifting and unloading augers, featuring a bearing system with tubular wedges and slew bearings, allowing for controlled bending and rotation, enabled by an actuator system that sets the relative rotation angle between the wedges, facilitating vertical movement and rotation of the unloading tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed rigid connection is used between the lifting auger and unloading auger, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to varying trailer heights and orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed rigid connection with a movable joint system comprising spherical bearings and tubular wedges. This allows the connection to dynamically adjust its angle and orientation in response to varying trailer heights and positions, while the actuator system provides controlled movement to maintain optimal grain flow alignment throughout the unloading process.
2Ease of operation
If a ball joint is used to couple the auger tubes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the composite materials principle by combining multiple structural elements (spherical bearings, tubular wedges, actuator mechanisms) into a composite joint system. This composite structure integrates the ease of positioning from spherical joints with the strength of wedge-based mechanical coupling and actuator-controlled alignment, achieving both operational flexibility and structural integrity.
3Productivity
If the unloading tube is made longer to reach over the combine harvester, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the unloading tube into multiple sections with adjustable joints between them. This allows the tube system to achieve the necessary length and reach while maintaining flexibility through segmented sections that can be independently positioned and angled, reducing the overall complexity compared to a single rigid long tube.
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 provides a strong, flexible connection that allows for precise control of the unloading tube's angle and rotation, ensuring efficient grain distribution and unloading without increasing the machine's width, even when dealing with height variations and trailer orientations.
Implementation Method 1
bearings around the first and second outside ends and one or both of the first and second inside ends
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable joint is to be provided along a tube, such as a grain unloading tube of a combine harvester. A bearing system is provided between the facing end of first and second tubes. allowing a controllable bend to be provided between the first tube and the second tube. The bearing system is actuated to control the bend. The bearing system has first and second first tubular wedges which face each other at the sloped ends, and bearings around the outside ends and the facing ends. A relative rotation angle is set between the first and second tubular wedges to set the degree of bend.