Adjustable Threshing Diameter Drum for Combine Harvesters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combine harvester threshing drum diameter regulation is limited to stepped adjustments, requiring shutdown and increased labor, which hampers real-time and stepless regulation of the threshing gap, affecting grain threshing quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A longitudinal axial flow drum structure with an adjustable threshing diameter, incorporating a transmission mechanism and diameter regulating mechanism featuring regulating turntables, crank linkages, and a worm and gear mechanism, allowing for real-time and stepless regulation of the threshing diameter through the use of regulating steel wires and U-shaped grooves, enabling optimal threshing conditions for varying grain moisture content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional threaded hole groups are used to regulate threshing drum diameter, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the regulation is limited to stepped adjustments and requires shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time and stepless regulation capabilityVSAvoidregulating mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static threaded hole connection into a dynamic regulating mechanism. The crank linkage connects the regulating turntable to the threshing tooth rod, allowing continuous adjustment of the threshing diameter while the drum is rotating. This enables real-time and stepless regulation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If threaded holes at different positions are used for regulation, then the connection is secure, but the regulation time and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidregulation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle through the self-locking feature of the regulating mechanism. The crank linkage and U-shaped groove structure automatically maintain the adjusted position without requiring additional fastening operations. This allows the operator to quickly adjust the threshing diameter and immediately resume harvesting, significantly reducing regulation time and improving work efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the threshing drum diameter is fixed, then the structure is stable and simple, but the adaptability to different grain moisture content is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different grain conditionsVSAvoidadjustable diameter mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing a regulating mechanism that can adapt to different grain moisture content conditions. The crank linkage system allows the threshing drum diameter to be adjusted within a range, enabling the same drum structure to handle various grain types and moisture levels. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If shutdown is required for regulation, then the operation is safe, but the operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the continuity of useful action principle by enabling diameter regulation during drum rotation. The regulating turntable and crank linkage are designed to operate while the drum is spinning, allowing continuous harvesting without shutdown interruptions. This maintains both operational safety through proper guarding and high productivity through uninterrupted operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables real-time and stepless regulation of the threshing diameter during operation, enhancing grain threshing quality, reducing labor, and improving the efficiency and flexibility of the combine harvester, while ensuring self-locking and preventing uncontrolled motion of the threshing tooth rod.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission mechanism and a diameter regulating mechanism featuring regulating turntables, crank linkages, and a worm and gear mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWorm and gear mechanism: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentUS11304371B2Longitudinal axial flow drum structure having adjustable threshing diameter

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 JIANGSU UNIV

AI summary

A longitudinal axial flow drum structure having an adjustable threshing diameter includes a threshing drum, a transmission mechanism, a diameter regulating mechanism and a regulating steel wire pulling mechanism. The transmission mechanism delivers power to regulating devices of the diameter regulating mechanism. The diameter regulating mechanism is connected with the transmission mechanism and the threshing drum to enable threshing diameter regulation. The transmission mechanism and the diameter regulating mechanism are installed inside a feeding cylinder of the threshing drum. The threshing diameter is regulated in real-time and stepless manner by adjusting the regulating steel wire pulling mechanism to pull a regulating steel wire in the transmission mechanism.