Closed-Loop Combine Cleaning Fan Control for Uniform Sieve Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transverse fans in combine harvesters experience uneven air distribution through outlet ports, leading to inefficiencies and potential 'blowout' conditions during sieve loading and unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with a fan assembly featuring dual outlet ports and adjustable valve members controlled by sensors and actuators, which adjust airflow based on pressure readings to achieve uniform distribution across multiple sieves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transverse fans are used to blow air through sieves, then a wide stream of air can be produced with relatively little space, but uneven air distribution occurs through outlet ports leading to blowout conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individual adjustable valve members at each outlet port of the fan assembly. Each valve member can be independently adjusted to control the airflow to specific sieves, allowing different parts of the system to have customized airflow characteristics based on local conditions such as sieve loading status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the valve members adjustable rather than fixed. The valve members can be dynamically repositioned to optimize airflow distribution as sieve loading conditions change during operation, transforming a static system into an adaptive one that responds to varying operational requirements.
2Reliability
If automated airflow control is implemented, then uniform air distribution is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensors detect airflow conditions or pressure differentials across the sieves, and this information is used to automatically adjust the valve member positions. The controller receives sensor signals and actuates the valve members to maintain optimal airflow distribution, creating a closed-loop control system that self-regulates without requiring complex manual intervention.
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
Ensures consistent air pressure across all sieves, preventing blowout conditions and enhancing cleaning efficiency by optimizing airflow distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor for either directly or indirectly sensing an air pressure at the first sieve; a second sensor for either directly or indirectly sensing an air pressure at the second sieve
Implementation Method 2
a first valve member positioned within the first duct for throttling the flow of air through the first duct; a second valve member positioned within the second duct for throttling the flow of air through the second duct
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cleaning system of a combine harvester includes a fan, a first valve member positioned within a first duct of the fan for throttling the flow of air through the first duct, a second valve member positioned within the second duct of the fan for throttling the flow of air through the second duct, a first actuator for adjusting a position of the first valve member, a second actuator for adjusting a position of the second valve member, first and second sensors for sensing air pressure at first and second sieves, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the sensed air pressures from the sensors, compare the sensed air pressures with either each other or threshold values, and transmit instructions to one or both of the actuators to adjust the positions of one or both of the valve members.