Self-Aligning Cleaning Fan Assembly for Combine Shaft Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cleaning fan systems in combine harvesters face challenges due to angular misalignment between the driveshaft of the fan and the output shaft of the motor, which can lead to reduced lifespan, increased noise, vibration, and premature failure of the fan and motor components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cleaning fan assembly with a spherical roller bearing or other self-aligning bearings between the first and second hubs, which compensates for angular misalignment between the driveshaft and the output shaft, ensuring proper alignment and reducing stress on the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid coupling is used between the driveshaft and motor output shaft, then alignment precision is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to angular misalignment causing reduced lifespan and increased vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical roller bearing to connect the driveshaft and motor output shaft. The spherical geometry of the bearing allows it to accommodate angular misalignment between the two shafts while maintaining reliable power transmission. The curved raceways and spherical rollers enable the bearing to self-align, preventing the vibration and premature failure that would occur with rigid coupling under misaligned conditions.
2Reliability
If self-aligning bearing is used to compensate for angular misalignment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical roller bearing serves as an intermediary element between the driveshaft and motor output shaft. Rather than requiring complex alignment mechanisms or adjustable mountings, the bearing itself acts as a mediator that absorbs and compensates for angular misalignment. This single-component solution provides the necessary flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If precise alignment is maintained between driveshaft and motor shaft, then vibration is reduced, but adaptability to installation variations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical roller bearing introduces dynamic adaptability to the connection between the driveshaft and motor shaft. Unlike fixed rigid couplings that require precise static alignment, the bearing dynamically adjusts to angular misalignment through its spherical geometry. This allows the system to maintain smooth operation and minimize vibration even when installation variations create angular deviations between the shafts.
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 effectively compensates for angular misalignment, leading to a longer lifespan for the fan and motor, reduced noise and vibration, and decreased risk of premature failure, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the cleaning fan system.
Implementation Method 1
a second bearing (220) arranged between the first hub (230) and the second hub (232), wherein the second bearing (220) is configured to compensate for angular misalignment between the first hub (230) and the second hub (232)
Data Source
AI summary
A combine harvester includes a chassis and a cleaning fan assembly connected to the chassis. The cleaning fan assembly includes a first housing fixedly mounted to the chassis or other point on the combine harvester. A second housing is mounted to the first housing. A hub of the second housing is circumferentially surrounded by a hub of the first housing. A fan motor is fixedly mounted to the second housing. A driveshaft is non-rotatably mounted to the rotatable output shaft of the fan motor. A first bearing is arranged between the second hub and the driveshaft. A second bearing is arranged between the first hub and the second hub. The second bearing is configured to compensate for angular misalignment between the first hub and the second hub.