Combine Chaff Spreader Rearward Cleaning System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural combine systems face challenges in evenly spreading crop residue over wide swaths due to the difficulty in mixing and distributing smaller, lighter chaff with larger, heavier residue, particularly when wider headers are used, as they require additional mechanisms like fans or pans to convey chaff rearwardly, which can lead to uneven distribution.

Innovation Solution

A system where a rotary spreader is positioned directly rearward of the combine's cleaning system to receive chaff without additional mechanisms, and a chopper is placed above or rearward of the spreader to discharge crop residue from the threshing system, ensuring even mixing and spreading of chaff with heavier residue across a wide swath.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If chaff is discharged from the cleaning system at a forward location, then the cleaning system can effectively separate chaff from grain, but the chaff is difficult to mix with larger residue from the threshing system due to their different flow characteristics and positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechaff separation efficiencyVSAvoidchaff and residue mixing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A rearwardly directed airflow is introduced as an intermediary medium to transport chaff from the cleaning system (forward location) to the threshing system discharge area (rear location). The airflow acts as a mediator that bridges the spatial gap between these two systems, enabling effective mixing without direct mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a rearwardly directed airflow to convey chaff. The airflow is generated by a fan or air moving device that creates a current to transport the lightweight chaff particles from the cleaning system discharge point to the threshing system discharge point, enabling remote material transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If additional conveyance mechanisms like fans or pans are used to move chaff rearwardly, then chaff can be mixed with residue, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechaff and residue mixingVSAvoidconveyance mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow generation system serves multiple functions: it conveys chaff from the cleaning system to the threshing system discharge area, creates turbulence for mixing, and can be integrated with the combine's existing air moving devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated conveyance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the combine's existing air moving capabilities (such as the air mover already present for grain flow) to serve the dual purpose of grain conveyance and chaff transport. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated fans or conveyance devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If crop residue is discharged directly rearwardly from the combine, then the discharge pattern is simple, but uniform coverage over wide swaths (40+ feet) is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge patternVSAvoidresidue coverage uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic elements through the rearwardly directed airflow that creates turbulence and variability in the discharge pattern. The airflow can be adjusted in intensity and direction to adapt to different operating conditions, enabling uniform distribution over wide swaths while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical discharge structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow-induced turbulence and mixing action create a form of mechanical disturbance that breaks up clumps and distributes residue more uniformly. The dynamic nature of the airflow creates continuous mixing and scattering actions that enhance coverage uniformity across wide swaths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 configuration allows for even and broad distribution of crop residue, overcoming the challenge of uneven spreading by eliminating the need for additional conveyance mechanisms and ensuring uniform coverage over wide areas.

Implementation Method 1

the chaff is mixed and advantageously spread with the other crop residue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 2

it can be difficult to provide uniform crop residue coverage over a wide swath e.g., 40 or more feet, using a rearwardly directed discharge pattern, as opposed to a sidewardly directed pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLateral discharge:

Data Source

PatentUS7896732B2Crop residue chopping and spreading system for an agricultural combine

Publication Date: 2011.03.01 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A system for chopping and spreading crop residue produced by an agricultural combine wherein the spreader is advantageously disposed directly rearwardly of a cleaning system of the combine for receiving chaff and other crop residue directly therefrom, without aid of a mechanism to convey the chaff to the spreader, and wherein the chopper is disposed just above and/or rearwardly of the spreader and is configured for discharging crop residue from the threshing system of the combine into the spreader for spreading thereby with the chaff.