Axial Flow Separator Rotor Deflection Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing separation units in combine harvesters face limitations in increasing separation performance due to restricted installation space and higher power consumption when increasing rotor speed, leading to straw destruction and reduced grain separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a ramp-shaped crop flow deflection element that reduces compaction effects by deflecting the crop flow, allowing for lower separator rotor speeds and improved straw quality, while maintaining the existing separation area and not actively conveying the crop flow within the effective diameter of the separator rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the separation rotor speed is increased to improve separation performance, then the centrifugal forces increase and separation efficiency improves, but the power consumption increases and straw destruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The crop flow deflection element performs preliminary action by deflecting the crop flow from the lid surface before it can become compacted. This preliminary deflection prevents the formation of a dense straw mat that would otherwise require higher rotor speeds to penetrate, thereby reducing the need for high power consumption while maintaining separation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the crop flow by using the ramp-shaped deflection element to alter its trajectory and density. This parameter change allows the crop to be redistributed in a less compacted state, improving separation efficiency without requiring increased rotor speed and power consumption
2Productivity
If the separation rotor speed is increased to improve separation performance, then the centrifugal forces increase and grain separation improves, but the straw destruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crop flow deflection element performs preliminary action by redirecting the crop flow before compaction occurs. This preliminary intervention prevents excessive straw mat formation, allowing effective separation at lower rotor speeds and thereby reducing mechanical stress and destruction on the straw
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful compaction effect into a beneficial redistribution mechanism. By allowing initial contact with the lid surface followed by controlled deflection, the system uses the crop's own momentum and the deflection element to achieve beneficial redistribution without the harmful effects of high-speed rotor impact
3Productivity
If the separation area is increased to improve separation performance, then the grain separation capacity increases, but the installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the existing separation area by improving crop flow distribution and reducing compaction. This parameter optimization allows the existing separation area to operate at higher effective capacity, achieving improved separation performance without expanding the physical installation space
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 solution enhances separation performance, reduces power consumption, and improves straw quality by loosening the crop flow and allowing grains to pass through the separation basket more effectively, without increasing the load on the cleaning device.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifugal forces applied by the separator rotor act equally on the grain to be separated from a crop stream and on the straw contained in the crop stream
Implementation Method 2
By lifting the crop flow from the surface of the lid by the ramp-shaped crop flow deflection element and separating and loosening it up when it subsequently hits a surface surrounding the separator rotor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a separation unit (1) for a combine harvester, which operates according to the axial flow principle, comprising a rotatably mounted separator rotor (2) which is arranged in a housing (3) which includes at least one separation basket (4) provided with openings and a cover (5) having a closed outer surface (6), wherein the outer surface (6) has on its side facing the separator rotor (2) a plurality of guide elements (7) arranged side by side coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the separator rotor (2), which extend section by section in the radial direction of the cover (5), wherein at least one ramp-shaped material flow deflection element (10, 10', 20) extending axially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the separator rotor (2) is arranged on the side of the outer surface (6) facing the separator rotor (2).