Combine Auger Trough Cleanout Door Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine heads face challenges in completely removing plant matter from the auger troughs due to small end openings, which are insufficient for thorough cleaning, especially when the combine is on uneven ground, leading to residual material retention and increased cleaning effort.
Innovation Solution
A combine head trough assembly with longitudinally extending trough panels featuring doors at the lower openings that can be opened for easy exit of cleanout water and waste crop material, allowing for effective cleaning regardless of the combine head's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If small openings are provided in end sheets to minimize crop loss, then crop loss is reduced, but complete removal of plant matter from the auger trough becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single small opening into multiple larger openings distributed along the lower portion of the trough. Instead of one small exit point, there are now several openings that collectively provide much better access for removing plant matter while still maintaining structural integrity and minimizing crop loss during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings are positioned along the lower portion of the trough in a distributed arrangement rather than concentrated at a single end. This spatial distribution along the length of the trough allows water and plant matter to exit at multiple points, making cleaning effective regardless of the combine's orientation on uneven ground.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the combine is on uneven ground or tilted, then operational flexibility is improved, but water and plant matter cannot exit freely through the small opening
Solution Approach 1:
By distributing openings along the lower portion of the trough rather than concentrating them at one end, the system adapts to various orientations. When the combine is tilted on uneven ground, gravity causes water and plant matter to flow toward the lowest point, and the distributed openings ensure there is always an opening near the low point for effective drainage and cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple openings serve multiple functions: they allow crop material to pass through during harvesting, enable effective cleaning when the combine is on level ground, and provide drainage when tilted on uneven ground. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems for different operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If larger openings are provided for better cleanout access, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but crop loss during harvesting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total opening area needed for effective cleaning is divided into multiple smaller segments distributed along the trough. Each individual opening is small enough to minimize crop loss during harvesting, but the collective arrangement of multiple openings provides sufficient access for thorough cleaning and drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the trough have different functional requirements. The lower portion where plant matter accumulates during cleaning has multiple openings for drainage, while the upper harvesting area maintains smaller or no openings to prevent crop loss. This localized differentiation of opening sizes and positions optimizes both cleaning access and crop retention.
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
The solution provides better access and more efficient removal of residual plant matter from the auger troughs, reducing the risk of contamination and crop loss, and simplifies the cleaning process by allowing water and debris to exit freely, even when the combine is tilted.
Implementation Method 1
If the combine is on uneven ground, or for any reason is tilted away from the end sheet having the opening, water naturally runs away from the opening and naturally carries the plant matter with it.
Data Source
AI summary
A combine head trough assembly comprises a curved steel panel having two openings passing therethrough, one opening being disposed at each end of the panel, the assembly further comprising two doors configured to respectively cover the two openings. The doors are pivoted between a closed position during normal combine operation and an open position to permit cleanout of crop material.