Bunker Harvester Movable Support Structure Crop Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing root crop harvesters face challenges in optimizing the distribution and discharge of harvested crops within the bunker, leading to potential damage and loss during the emptying process.
Innovation Solution
A movable wall-type support structure is integrated into the bunker, interacting with the conveying device to guide and support the crops during filling and discharge, allowing for optimal distribution and minimizing residual quantities by adjusting the conveying direction and forming a collecting zone to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bunker construction with fixed sidewalls is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the distribution of harvested crop is suboptimal and damage occurs during discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed sidewalls with movable support structures that can change position during different operational phases. The support structures move to guide crops during filling, provide support during storage, and facilitate complete discharge during emptying, thereby preventing crop damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bunker structure is segmented into multiple movable support structures rather than using a single fixed sidewall. Each support structure can independently move to perform specific functions during different phases of operation, allowing optimized crop handling without requiring a completely complex redesigned bunker.
2Productivity
If the conveying device operates continuously, then productivity is high, but residual quantities of crop remain on the conveying device after discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by making the support structures move through different positions corresponding to different operational phases: filling position during crop intake, storage position during bunker filling, and discharge position during emptying. This periodic movement ensures complete crop transfer to the collecting zone and eliminates residual quantities that would otherwise remain on the conveying device.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures are positioned in advance to form a collecting zone that guides residual crop quantities back into the bunker before the discharge phase is complete. This preliminary positioning prevents crop loss by ensuring all crop is either discharged or returned to the bunker, eliminating waste from residual quantities.
3Productivity
If the bunker receiving space is enlarged to reduce discharge frequency, then fewer transfers are needed, but crop distribution within the space becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support structures dynamically adjust their positions to optimize crop distribution within the bunker receiving space regardless of its size. During filling, they guide crop to appropriate locations; during storage, they maintain optimal arrangement; and during discharge, they facilitate complete emptying. This dynamic adaptation allows efficient crop handling in bunkers of various sizes without compromising distribution quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A harvester for potatoes, beets or similar root crops is in the form of a self-propelled or pulled bunker harvester. It has an intermediate or transfer bunker receiving harvested root crop after a cleaning phase. From the receiving space of the bunker, the root crop can be discharged by means of a conveying device that forms at least partially in the bunker a floor conveyer, has a lateral transfer module and can be oriented substantially transversely to the travel direction of the harvester. The conveying device interacts with a wall-type movable support structure at least in the area of a longitudinal side of the receiving space that is facing away from the lateral transfer module.