Hydraulic Air Blower for Combine Feederhouse Trash Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of 'crop trash' including dirt, dust, and debris on the combine harvester's feederhouse and header obstructs the operator's view and access, necessitating frequent shutdowns for cleaning, especially during peak harvesting times when materials are dry and prone to agglomeration.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically powered air blower system integrated into the combine harvester, positioned proximate the feederhouse, delivers a high-pressure air stream to remove accumulated crop trash from the feederhouse and header, with controls accessible from the operator cab to facilitate continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the combine harvester operates continuously during peak harvesting, then productivity is improved, but crop trash accumulates on the feederhouse obstructing operator view and access
Solution Approach 1:
The air blower system is activated periodically to remove crop trash before it accumulates to obstructing levels. By performing preliminary cleaning action during harvest operations, the system prevents trash buildup that would otherwise block operator view and access to the header, allowing continuous high-speed harvesting without shutdowns for manual cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
A high-pressure air stream is introduced as an intermediary medium between the crop trash accumulation problem and the operator's view/access needs. The air blower delivers a focused air stream that selectively removes trash particles from the feederhouse area, clearing the obstruction while allowing the harvest operation to continue uninterrupted
2Ease of operation
If the operator shuts down the combine to remove crop trash manually, then visibility and access are improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air blower system is controlled by the operator through a switch in the cab, allowing the operator to self-service the cleaning function without shutting down the combine. The operator can activate the air blower periodically to maintain clear view and access to the header while keeping the harvest operation running, eliminating the need to stop for manual trash removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic power (air blower) to perform the trash removal function that would otherwise require manual mechanical cleaning. The high-pressure air stream efficiently removes crop trash from the feederhouse area, providing the operator with remote control capability from the cab to maintain clear visibility and access without interrupting the harvest workflow
3Device complexity
If a manual cleaning system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the frequency of shutdowns increases reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air blower system enables continuous harvesting operation by periodically removing crop trash during the harvest process. Instead of requiring shutdowns for manual cleaning, the system maintains continuous useful action (harvesting) while intermittently performing trash removal, significantly reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency despite the added device complexity
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 system effectively reduces and removes crop trash accumulation, maintaining operator visibility and access, reducing the need for frequent shutdowns and enhancing operational efficiency by integrating the air blower with the harvester's hydraulic system for controlled operation.
Implementation Method 1
delivers a high-pressure air stream to remove accumulated crop trash from the feederhouse and header
Data Source
AI summary
A combine crop trash removal system for mounting to a combine corn harvester using hydraulically driven air blowers coupled to the combine header control system for reduction and/or removal of stalks, leaves, dirt and dust type material from accumulating on the combine feeder house and obscuring the operators view of the operating combine header during operation of the combine harvester for corn picking. The air blower may also be driven electrically or pneumatically. The operator of the combine harvester controls the crop trash removal system from the operator cab of the combine harvester.