Combine Harvester Spreading Device Oscillating Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern combine harvesters face challenges in evenly distributing straw-chaff mixtures over the harvested area, leading to uneven soil incorporation and potential yield reduction due to straw nests, especially with large working widths and varying harvesting conditions.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled combine harvester equipped with a spreading device featuring adjustable centrifugal devices and deflector plates, utilizing an oscillating linear drive with mechanical path feedback and a hydraulic cylinder system for precise control of deflector plate movement, allowing for sinusoidal or variable distribution curves and frequencies to ensure even straw distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If centrifugal devices are used to distribute straw-chaff mixture, then distribution speed increases, but distribution uniformity deteriorates leading to straw nests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution speedVSAvoiddistribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable deflector plates that can change their position during operation. The deflector plates are connected to an adjustment device that allows them to be positioned at different angles relative to the centrifugal device outlet, enabling the system to adapt the distribution pattern in real-time to achieve uniform straw distribution while maintaining high distribution speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the spatial parameters of the deflector plates (angular position, radial distance) to control the flow direction of the straw-chaff mixture. By adjusting these parameters, the system can modify the distribution pattern to prevent straw nests while maintaining centrifugal distribution speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple deflector plates are used to improve distribution control, then distribution precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution control precisionVSAvoidnumber of deflector plates
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device serves multiple functions: it positions the deflector plates at different angles, controls the radial distance from the outlet, and coordinates the movement of multiple plates simultaneously. This multi-functional mechanism reduces the need for separate control systems for each plate, thereby managing complexity while achieving precise distribution control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector plates are arranged in a nested configuration where each plate is positioned at a different radial distance from the centrifugal device outlet. This nested arrangement allows multiple plates to occupy different spatial zones without requiring excessive structural support, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise distribution control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If deflector plates are positioned closer to the centrifugal device, then material flow direction control improves, but hydraulic power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow direction controlVSAvoidhydraulic power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses only the necessary degree of deflector plate adjustment to achieve adequate flow direction control, rather than maximizing the adjustment range. The plates are positioned at optimal distances that provide sufficient control without requiring excessive hydraulic force, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate control precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple deflector plates are positioned at different radial distances, creating a distributed control system where each plate handles a portion of the flow control task. This distributes the hydraulic load across multiple components rather than requiring one high-power plate close to the outlet, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining control precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 achieves optimal straw distribution across the entire working width, reducing straw nests and improving soil incorporation, while minimizing hydraulic power consumption and component complexity, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability to different harvesting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic cylinder system for precise control of deflector plate movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a spreading device consisting of at least one driven centrifugal device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3000301B1Self-propelled combine harvester
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP3000301B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3000301B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3000301B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

In a self-propelled combine harvester (1) with a rear discharge (5) for a straw-chaff mixture, to which a spreading device (7) consisting of at least one, in particular two, driven centrifugal units (8, 9) is attached, a radial partial casing consisting of at least two telescopically adjustable spreading plates (12, 13, 14, 15) is arranged on each of the spreading devices (8, 9) to direct the crop flow. Furthermore, the spreading plates (12, 13, 14, 15) are continuously adjustable relative to each other and with respect to the respective partial area of ​​an outer casing (18) of the centrifugal unit (7) via an adjustment device (19). To enable variable operation of the centrifugal units, the adjustment device (19) is to have an oscillating linear drive (25) with an integrated mechanical return path (54).