Combine Harvester Distribution Device Parallel Transport Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Combine harvesters face challenges in maintaining permissible overall width during transport due to the design of distribution devices, which requires complex and heavy actuator systems to absorb dynamic forces, increasing the machine's weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The distribution devices are designed to pivot into a transport position where they are parallel or almost parallel to the conveyor devices, allowing the actuator system to simply transfer and hold them in this position without interrupting the drive train, eliminating the need for complex force compensation and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the distribution device is moved to a transport position perpendicular to the conveyor device, then the overall width of the combine harvester increases, but this exceeds the permissible width and requires complex heavy actuator systems to absorb dynamic forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport position capabilityVSAvoidactuator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the distribution device perpendicular to the conveyor device in transport position (conventional approach), the patent inverts this arrangement by positioning the distribution device parallel to the conveyor device. This inversion eliminates the need for complex actuator systems to compensate for dynamic forces while maintaining permissible overall width during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the distribution device is moved to a transport position perpendicular to the conveyor device, then the distribution function is achieved, but the weight of the actuator system and total combine harvester increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport position capabilityVSAvoidactuator system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional transport position arrangement from perpendicular to parallel alignment between distribution device and conveyor device. This inversion dramatically reduces the weight requirements for actuator systems since parallel positioning naturally maintains permissible overall width without requiring heavy force-absorbing actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the drive train is interrupted during position transfer, then the distribution device can be moved between operating and transport positions, but manual intervention is required and operational continuity is broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition transfer capabilityVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the drive train with a universal joint that allows continuous operation during position transfer. The universal joint is预先 designed to accommodate the angular movement between operating and transport positions, eliminating the need to interrupt the drive train and requiring no manual intervention during position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If complex actuator systems are used to absorb dynamic forces in transport position, then the transport position is secured, but the structure becomes heavier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport position stabilityVSAvoidactuator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning the distribution device parallel to the conveyor device during transport. This inverted arrangement inherently maintains stability in transport position by keeping the overall width within permissible limits, eliminating the need for complex actuator systems to absorb dynamic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3338527B1Combine harvester

Publication Date: 2019.12.25 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a combine harvester (1) with a chopping device (23) and a distribution device (24) downstream thereof, driven by at least one drive train, which comprises rotary conveying elements (30a, 30b) that receive and deflect a crop flow (29) exiting the chopping device (23) in order to supply the crop flow (29) to a distribution device (31a, 31b) downstream of the respective conveying device (30a, 30b), which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (51a, 51b) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the combine harvester by means of an actuator (48), wherein the distribution devices (31a, 31b) can be moved from at least one operating position to a transport position and vice versa by pivoting about their pivot axis (51a, 51b), wherein the distribution devices (31a, 31b) in the transport position have a parallel or nearly assume a parallel arrangement to the respective conveying device (30a, 30b).