Backsheet Deflector Strips Crop Material from Auger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of the harvesting process is reduced due to crop material accumulation within the flighting of compression augers and material flowing over the header, leading to reduced crop material entering the processing system.
Innovation Solution
A backsheet extension with deflectors coupled to the top frame member of the agricultural header, which extends upwardly to block crop material from exiting and strips it from the compression auger, ensuring it flows towards the processing system, thereby reducing accumulation and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If compression augers are used to direct crop material toward the belts, then crop material transport is improved, but crop material accumulates within the flighting and flows over the header, reducing harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector extends upwardly from the top frame member to block crop material from exiting the header, extracting the harmful overflow effect by physically preventing it from leaving the system. The leading edge of the deflector strips crop material from the compression auger, removing the accumulated material that was causing the overflow problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector acts as an intermediary element between the compression auger and the crop material flow path. It intercepts crop material that would otherwise accumulate on the auger or exit the header, redirecting it toward the belts and processing system instead.
2Productivity
If separate stripping features are added to remove crop material from compression augers, then crop material flow is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector combines multiple functions into a single component: it blocks crop material from exiting the header, strips crop material from the compression auger, and redirects it toward the processing system. This merging eliminates the need for separate stripping features, reducing device complexity and weight while maintaining improved crop material flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - acting as a blockage preventor, a stripping element, and a redirector all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts needed in the header assembly, simplifying the device while improving crop material handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A backsheet extension for an agricultural header includes a deflector configured to couple to a top frame member of the agricultural header. The top frame member is positioned proximate to a compression auger of the agricultural header, and the deflector is configured to extend upwardly from the top frame member to block crop material from exiting the agricultural header. Furthermore, a leading edge of the deflector is configured to be positioned forward of the top frame member and to strip the crop material from the compression auger, and the deflector extends from the leading edge to a trailing edge.