Air Deflector for Harvester Return Pan Airflow Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grain harvesters face inefficiencies due to rearward air flow restricting grain separation, causing grain and material other than grain (MOG) to be suspended above the return pan, which hinders the removal of MOG from the harvester.
Innovation Solution
A separator pan is positioned between the threshing rotor and cleaning shoe, featuring a floor that urges grain forwardly and an air deflector that directs the rearward air stream above the floor, allowing grain to move forward while directing MOG rearwardly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a return pan is positioned between the rotor assembly and cleaning shoe to direct grain forwardly, then grain is prevented from escaping through the back end and deposited toward the forward portion of the cleaning shoe, but the rearward air flow impinging on the leading edge of the return pan restricts grain from falling below the pan and holds grain and MOG in a suspended state above the pan
Solution Approach 1:
The return pan is divided into a floor portion and a vertical portion, creating distinct functional zones. The floor portion receives grain from the rotor and directs it forwardly, while the vertical portion positioned at the leading edge allows air flow to pass through without suspending grain. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the grain directing function from the air flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical portion of the return pan acts as an intermediary structure between the rearward air flow and the grain on the floor. It allows the air flow to pass through its openings without impinging directly on the grain, thereby mediating the interaction between air and grain to prevent suspension while maintaining air flow for MOG removal.
2Productivity
If rearward air flow is used to separate grain from MOG, then material other than grain is carried rearwardly, but the air flow holds grain and MOG in a suspended state above the return pan and restricts the air flow from removing MOG from the harvester
Solution Approach 1:
The return pan structure segments the air flow path from the grain movement path. The vertical portion with openings provides a dedicated air flow通道 that passes through without suspending grain, while the floor portion handles grain forwarding. This allows rearward air flow to effectively remove MOG without creating harmful suspension effects.
3Productivity
If the return pan leading edge is positioned to receive rearward air flow, then grain is directed forwardly along the pan, but the air flow impinges on the leading edge and restricts grain from falling below the pan
Solution Approach 1:
The return pan is segmented into a floor portion for grain forwarding and a vertical portion at the leading edge. The vertical portion allows air flow to pass through without blocking grain from falling below the pan, while the floor portion maintains grain forwarding functionality. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing separate pathways for air flow and grain movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical portion of the return pan extends in the vertical dimension at the leading edge, creating a three-dimensional structure that allows rearward air flow to pass through openings without impinging on grain on the horizontal floor surface. This dimensional addition allows both air flow through the leading edge and free grain falling below the pan.
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
This configuration enhances grain separation by enabling effective forward movement of grain and efficient removal of MOG from the harvester, improving the overall separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a rearward air stream between the floor and rotor to carry material other than grain rearwardly
Implementation Method 2
the floor configured to urge separated grain on the floor forwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A crop harvester is operable to separate grain from severed crop material and broadly includes a threshing rotor, cleaning shoe, and separator pan. The separator pan is interposed between the threshing rotor and the cleaning shoe. The separator pan includes a floor and an air deflector. The floor is configured to urge separated grain on the floor forwardly while allowing a rearward air stream between the floor and rotor to carry material other than grain rearwardly. The air deflector is positioned relative to the floor to direct the rearward air stream above the floor and thereby permit forward grain movement along the pan.