Combine Grain Elevator Power Fold Auger Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of combines face safety and efficiency concerns when manually folding and unfolding the grain tank auger, as it requires climbing onto the combine and navigating a slippery grain tank, leading to potential falls and accidents, and interference between drive hub and drive pin during manual folding.
Innovation Solution
A kit equipped with a linear actuator, aluminum spacer block, hex stub shaft, and bearing with a hex inter diameter is used to automate the folding and unfolding of the auger, allowing operation from the cab with a toggle button and incorporating a safety switch and universal joints for alignment, eliminating manual interference issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual folding of the auger is used, then the combine can be driven on the highway with the auger folded, but the operator must climb onto the combine and navigate a slippery grain tank, leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an automated hydraulic system. A hydraulic cylinder is installed to automatically raise and lower the auger tube, eliminating the need for the operator to manually climb onto the combine and handle the heavy auger components. The hydraulic system provides powered assistance that makes the folding operation safe and easy to perform from the ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-servicing mechanism where the combine's existing hydraulic system is utilized to automatically perform the auger folding operation. The operator simply activates the hydraulic cylinder through the combine's control system, and the auger automatically raises and folds without requiring manual intervention in the grain tank, making the system service itself.
2Ease of operation
If manual lifting of the auger is performed, then the auger can be positioned in the grain tank, but the operator faces risks of falling off the combine or slipping on loose grain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual lifting operations with an automated hydraulic lifting system. The hydraulic cylinder is positioned to directly raise and position the auger tube within the grain tank, eliminating the need for the operator to physically lift and maneuver the heavy auger components on the slippery grain tank floor. This substitution removes the operator from the hazardous environment entirely.
3Ease of operation
If the drive hub and drive pin interfere during manual folding, then the auger can be folded into position, but the operator must manually align and turn the auger, increasing complexity and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the automated hydraulic system to eliminate the manual alignment procedure. The hydraulic cylinder provides controlled, powered movement that automatically manages the complex alignment between the drive hub and drive pin during folding. This replaces the operator's manual turning and alignment efforts with an automated mechanical system that handles the coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary positioning features including alignment guides and tapered surfaces on the drive components. These features are designed to automatically guide the drive pin into proper alignment with the drive hub as the auger folds, performing the alignment action in advance before the components engage. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual intervention to achieve proper alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
The article of manufacture is a kit that when installed upon a combine will enable the grain tank's folding auger to be raised and lowered by a push of a button in the cab. The kit contains a collar to encircle the auger tube, two universal joints, a linear actuator, and a mounting plate. To install the kit, one bolts the mounting plate to the bottom of the combine's grain tank. Next, the collar is bolted around the auger tube. Then, the installer mounts the linear actuator with a universal joint on each end between the collar and the mounting plate. The installer next installs the safety limiting switch and wires the system. Once all the wiring is completed, the installer returns to the combine's cabin and tests the system. The system contains a safety system that informs the operator of the combine when the auger is in operating or folded position.