Combine Grain Elevator System with Cross Augers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain handling systems in combine harvesters are inefficient in moving high-capacity clean grain from the cleaning system to the hopper, often requiring multiple elevators and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A grain handling system utilizing multiple cross augers and a circuitous element, such as a paddle chain or cleated belt, to convey clean grain across a horizontal section to a single hopper, eliminating the need for separate elevators and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate clean grain elevators are used to handle high-capacity clean grain, then grain handling capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cross augers and their associated elevator systems into a single integrated elevator structure. The first and second cross augers feed grain into a common elevator that serves both cleaning sections, reducing the total number of elevators needed while maintaining high-capacity grain handling through coordinated operation of multiple augers feeding a unified conveyance system.
2Device complexity
If a single elevator is used for grain conveyance, then device complexity is reduced, but grain handling capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The grain handling system is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first cleaning section with a first cross auger, a second cleaning section with a second cross auger, and a common elevator. This segmentation allows each cross auger to independently serve its cleaning section while both feed into the shared elevator, enabling the system to handle grain from multiple sources through a single conveyance mechanism.
3Productivity
If multiple cross augers feed into separate elevators, then grain handling capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The common elevator serves multiple functions: it conveys grain from the first cleaning section, conveys grain from the second cleaning section, and loads grain into the grain hopper. This multi-functional design simplifies operation by providing a single grain conveyance system that handles all grain flow paths, eliminating the need to operate and coordinate multiple separate elevators while maintaining the capacity to handle grain from multiple cross augers.
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 solution effectively increases grain handling capacity, reduces system complexity, and allows for efficient movement of clean grain to the hopper, enhancing the overall efficiency of the grain handling process.
Implementation Method 1
A circuitous element, such as a paddle chain or cleated belt, to convey clean grain across a horizontal section
Implementation Method 2
multiple cross augers and a circuitous element, such as a paddle chain or cleated belt, to convey clean grain
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A harvesting machine including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels, at least one grain separating section, a plurality of cross augers and a grain moving device. The plurality of ground engaging wheels support the frame. The at least one grain separating section is supported by the frame. The plurality of cross augers are positioned to receive grain from the at least one grain separating section. The plurality of cross augers each have an end. The grain moving device is associated with each of the plurality of cross augers proximate to the end of the plurality of cross augers.