Adjustable Rocker Arm Mounting for Combine Harvester Sieve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cleaning systems in combine harvesters require the removal and repositioning of rocker arms to adjust the throwing angle of sieves, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning system with a shoe and rocker arm configuration that allows for adjustable throwing angles by mounting the rocker arm at different locations on a mounting surface, enabling adjustments without removing the entire arm, using either fasteners or retractable pins for positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rocker arm is removed and repositioned to adjust the throwing angle, then the throwing angle can be changed, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrowing angle adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting surface is divided into multiple discrete locations where the rocker arm can be selectively positioned. This segmentation allows the throwing angle to be adjusted by simply moving the rocker arm to a different pre-defined location on the mounting surface, eliminating the need for complete removal and repositioning, thus reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rocker arm is completely removed for angle adjustment, then the throwing angle can be changed, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrowing angle adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed-position rocker arm to a dynamic adjustable-position rocker arm. The rocker arm can be quickly repositioned along the mounting surface to change the throwing angle, making the system adaptable to different crop types and field conditions without requiring complete disassembly, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If multiple mounting locations are provided on the mounting surface, then the throwing angle can be adjusted without removing the rocker arm, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment operationVSAvoidmounting surface configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting surface is designed with specific local features at discrete locations, each providing a predetermined throwing angle. These localized mounting points are strategically positioned to offer the required angle variations without requiring complex mechanisms. The simplicity of each individual mounting location keeps the overall device complexity low while enabling easy adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3586601B1Device and method for changing cleaning shoe shaker arm angle
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 CNH IND BELGIUM NV
  • EP3586601B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3586601B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3586601B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cleaning system (100) for a combine harvester having an adjustable throwing angle (A) is provided. The cleaning system includes a shoe (104) for holding a sieve of the cleaning system, a mounting surface (143) disposed on the shoe, and a rocker arm (106) either movably or removably connected to the mounting surface. The rocker arm is configured to be mounted to the mounting surface at at least two different locations on the mounting surface. Each location resulting in a different throwing angle of the shoe of the cleaning system.