Auger Conveyor with Dual-Axis Segmented Sections for Grain Tank Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting machines face limitations in filling the grain tank to its maximum capacity due to grain settling with non-grain components during threshing, and existing conveyor systems either restrict the height or lead to grain backflow, causing jamming and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor screw system with a proximal and distal section that can rotate about different axes, allowing the distal section to be oriented steeper than the proximal section, enabling efficient grain transfer and overcoming height limitations while minimizing grain backflow and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single vertical screw conveyor is used to overcome large height differences, then the height bridging capability is improved, but grain backflow into the elevator occurs causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The screw conveyor is divided into two sections: a proximal section with a shallow incline for reliable grain intake from the elevator, and a distal section with a steep or vertical orientation for achieving high discharge points. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its function without causing grain backflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single vertical orientation to a two-dimensional angular configuration, where the proximal section operates at a shallow angle and the distal section operates at a steep angle. This angular differentiation resolves the contradiction between height bridging and grain backflow prevention.
2Reliability
If a shallow incline screw conveyor is used for reliable grain transfer, then grain backflow is prevented, but the height bridging capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The screw conveyor is divided into two sections: a proximal section with a shallow incline for reliable grain intake from the elevator, and a distal section with a steep or vertical orientation for achieving high discharge points. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its function without causing grain backflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two screw conveyor configurations with different inclines into a single integrated system. The proximal and distal sections are connected to form one continuous conveying path, combining the reliability of shallow incline transfer with the height bridging capability of steep incline sections.
3Quantity of substance
If the grain tank is filled to maximum capacity, then the storage utilization is improved, but the elevator inlet becomes blocked by grain
Solution Approach 1:
The distal section of the screw conveyor is positioned centrally within the grain tank, allowing the grain cone to extend vertically above the tank walls without blocking the elevator inlet. This central positioning in the vertical dimension enables maximum tank utilization while maintaining elevator operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The grain discharge point is effectively extended above the tank walls, allowing grain to be discharged at a higher level. This extracts the discharge function from the constrained tank interior space and places it in the vertical space above, preventing blockage of the elevator inlet.
4Length of moving object
If the distal section is positioned centrally in the tank, then the grain cone can extend higher above the tank, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screw conveyor system is made dynamically positionable, allowing the distal section to be adjusted to a central position during operation. This dynamic positioning capability enables the grain cone to extend vertically while maintaining structural feasibility through adjustable rather than fixed complex mechanisms.
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 system allows for safe and efficient filling of the grain tank to its highest capacity without jamming, reducing grain breakage and energy expenditure, and can be adapted for use with fold-out tank attachments to maximize capacity on a limited footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor screw with a proximal and distal section that can rotate about different axes, allowing the distal section to be oriented steeper than the proximal section, enabling efficient grain transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A harvesting machine (1) has a crop tank (3) and an internal auger conveyor (35) extending from a crop inlet opening (24) on a wall (25) of the crop tank (3) into the interior of the crop tank (3). The auger conveyor comprises at least a proximal section (37) adjacent to the crop inlet opening (24) and a distal section (38) spaced from the crop inlet opening (24) at least by the proximal section (37), which are rotatable about conveying axes (42, 43) extending in different directions. The auger conveyor (35) can be operated in a working position in which the conveying axis (43) of the distal section (38) is oriented at a steeper angle than the conveying axis (42) of the proximal section (37).