Belt Pickup Drive System Single Motor Power Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current belt pickup systems for agricultural combines require separate hydraulic motors to drive the pickup conveyor and the transfer conveyor, leading to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A drive system that utilizes a single motor to efficiently power both the pickup conveyor and the transfer conveyor through a series of pulleys and drive belts, with mechanical links and a spring mechanism to maintain tension and ensure power transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate hydraulic motors are used to drive the pickup conveyor and transfer conveyor, then each conveyor can be driven independently, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent conveyor operationVSAvoidNumber of motors and drive components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate hydraulic motors into a single motor that drives both the pickup conveyor and transfer conveyor through a shared drive system. The motor shaft is directly coupled to the pickup conveyor drive, and a belt and pulley mechanism transfers power to the transfer conveyor drive, reducing component count while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single motor serves multiple functions by directly driving the pickup conveyor and simultaneously powering the transfer conveyor through the belt drive system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated motors for each conveyor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single motor drives both conveyors, then device complexity is reduced, but power transmission reliability and torque distribution may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNumber of motors and drive componentsVSAvoidPower transmission consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a belt and pulley system as an intermediary mechanism between the single motor and the two conveyors. This intermediary allows flexible power distribution while maintaining reliable torque transmission to both the pickup and transfer conveyors through mechanical advantage and controlled slippage characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single motor drives both conveyors, then the number of components is reduced, but manufacturing and assembly complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNumber of motors and drive componentsVSAvoidDrive system assembly and alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into modular components: the motor assembly, the belt drive mechanism, and the two conveyor drive systems. This segmentation allows for independent manufacturing and testing of each module before final assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for efficient operation of both conveyors with a single motor, enhancing the harvesting process by ensuring consistent power delivery and reducing mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a spring coupled between the frame and the second mechanical link to apply a spring force to the second mechanical link and tension the first and second drive belts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first endless drive belt coupled to the first pulley and driven by the first pulley, a second pulley coupled to and driven in rotation by the first endless drive belt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3153008B1A belt pickup with drive system
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 DEERE & CO
  • EP3153008B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3153008B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3153008B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A belt pickup (100) with drive system (130) includes a frame (102); a pickup conveyor (106) supported on the frame (102), a transfer conveyor (108) supported on the frame (102), wherein the drive system (130) includes a motor (132) coupled to a drive roller of the transfer conveyor (108), a first pulley (134) driven by the motor (132), a first drive belt (136) driven by the first pulley (134), a second pulley (138) driven by the first drive belt (136), a third pulley (140) fixed to the second pulley (138) and driven by the second pulley (138), a second drive belt (142) driven by the third pulley (140), and a fourth pulley (144) coupled to a drive roller (112) of the pickup conveyor (106).