Combine Harvester Dust Extraction via Segmented Suction Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled combine harvesters face inefficiencies in dust drainage during the harvesting process, particularly in guiding dust generated in the intake channel into the process space for effective removal.
Innovation Solution
The integration of at least one additional suction fan device positioned upstream of the threshing device outside the process space to suck out dust and direct it into the process space, either directly below the threshing device or through a channel segment bypassing the threshing device, enhancing dust collection and removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If dust is extracted only from the rear area of the combine harvester, then the structure is simple, but dust generated in the intake channel area cannot be effectively removed and accumulates in the front area
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is divided into two independent suction fan devices: one located in the front area (intake channel region) and one in the rear area (process chamber region). Each suction fan device independently handles dust extraction from its respective zone, allowing effective removal of dust generated in the front area without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust extraction system transitions from a single rear-mounted suction point to a multi-dimensional arrangement with suction fans positioned at both the front (intake channel area) and rear (process chamber area) of the combine harvester. This spatial distribution enables comprehensive dust removal throughout the entire harvesting path.
2Productivity
If a single suction fan device is used in the rear area, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity of dust removal is insufficient to handle dust generated throughout the entire harvesting process
Solution Approach 1:
The dust removal function is segmented into two independent suction fan devices positioned at different locations along the harvesting path. The first suction fan device handles dust from the intake channel area, while the second handles dust from the process chamber, thereby increasing overall dust removal productivity without creating a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The first suction fan device is positioned upstream in the intake channel area to extract dust before it enters the process chamber. This preliminary dust extraction prevents dust accumulation in the front area and reduces the dust load on the second suction fan device in the rear, thereby improving overall dust removal efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If dust is not extracted from the intake channel area, then the suction system is simple, but dust interferes with the operator's visibility and cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented with a dedicated first suction fan device positioned in the intake channel area to handle dust extraction specifically in the front region. This segmentation ensures that dust interfering with operator visibility is removed at its source, while the second suction fan device continues to handle dust in the rear process chamber area.
Solution Approach 2:
The first suction fan device acts as an intermediary element between the intake channel and the operator's cab, extracting dust-laden air from the intake channel area before it can reach the operator's position. This intermediary suction system improves operator visibility without requiring complex modifications to the existing rear suction system.
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 improves dust drainage by guiding dust-laden air into the process space, facilitating its removal with the non-grain components, thereby improving the overall cleaning efficiency and reducing dust interference with the operator's visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a suction fan device arranged downstream of the cleaning device as a working unit, which is arranged in a process chamber... at least one further suction fan device, which is arranged upstream of the threshing device outside the process chamber and which is designed to extract dust generated during a harvesting process
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled combine harvester (1) comprising a threshing device (5), a separating device (8), a cleaning device (9) and a suction blower device (11) downstream of the cleaning device (9) as working units, which are arranged in a process chamber (19) formed by at least one housing, wherein the combine harvester (1) comprises at least one further suction blower device (24) which is arranged upstream of the threshing device (5) outside the process chamber (19) and which is configured to extract dust occurring during a harvesting process and supply it to the process chamber (19).