Combine Residue Spreader with Dual-Mode Weight Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger combines have become too heavy to traverse roads and highways legally due to increased weight from larger headers and grain volumes, and existing spreading systems only perform a single function, failing to optimize residue spreading and support the combine's weight.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose residue spreading and weight support system integrated into the combine, featuring a chassis with ground support devices that can change orientation from a spreading mode to a transport mode, allowing the spreader system to provide additional traction and weight distribution during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If combines are made larger to increase grain capacity and header size, then productivity is improved, but weight increases making it illegal to traverse roads and highways
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system is designed to perform multiple functions: residue spreading during harvesting and ground support during transport. By making the spreader structure capable of both spreading MOG and supporting combine weight, the patent eliminates the need for separate support structures, thereby managing weight while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader system can dynamically change its function and configuration between spreading mode and support mode. The system transitions from a residue-spreading configuration to a ground-support configuration, allowing the same structure to adapt to different operational requirements and weight distribution needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated spreading systems are added to combines, then residue spreading function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system serves dual purposes: spreading crop residue during harvesting operations and providing ground support during transport operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the spreading function and ground support function into a single integrated system. By merging these two functions that were previously performed by separate systems, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining both capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spreader system is extended to the side for spreading, then residue distribution is improved, but stability deteriorates due to weight distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system dynamically adjusts its position and function based on operational needs. During spreading, it extends to the side for optimal residue distribution; during transport, it retracts to provide ground support and improve stability. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize both residue distribution and stability at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader system is designed as a separable, movable component that can be positioned independently from the main combine body. This segmentation allows the spreader to extend for spreading operations without permanently affecting the combine's center of gravity and stability during transport.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural harvesting system including a chassis (12), a plurality of ground support devices carrying the chassis (12) in a direction of travel, and a threshing section carried by the chassis (12). The threshing section produces residue that is sent to a spreader system (72). The spreader system (72) has a first orientation and a second orientation. The spreader system (72) includes a support device (74,76) and a spreader (84). The support device (74,76) is in ground contact and is positioned to a side of the chassis (12) relative to the direction of travel when the spreader system (72) is in the first orientation. The support device (74,76) is positioned aft of the chassis (12) relative to the direction of travel when the spreader system (72) is in the second orientation. The spreader (84) is carried by the support device (74,76) and is configured to receive at least some of the residue.