Concentric Counterknife Holder for Faster Harvester Blade Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

The service and replacement of counterknives in agricultural harvesters is time-consuming and difficult due to existing replaceable and reversible counterknife arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A residue counterknife assembly with a knife holder that secures two blades using a single fastener, allowing for rapid and simple installation and reversal of blade positions, and includes debris shields to inhibit residue accumulation, facilitating easy servicing and replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If traditional replaceable counterknife arrangements are used, then counterknives can be replaced, but the service and replacement process is time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of counterknife replacementVSAvoidservice time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The counterknife assembly is segmented into modular components: the holder body, the counterknife blade, and the mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows the blade to be independently replaced without removing the entire assembly, significantly reducing service time and simplifying the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The counterknife holder incorporates a dynamic mounting mechanism that allows for quick adjustment and replacement of blades. The design enables the blade to be rapidly inserted and secured without requiring complex tools or procedures, directly addressing the time-consuming nature of traditional replacement methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional counterknife mounting structures are used, then blades can be secured, but the structure is complex and difficult to service

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade securing reliabilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The holder body simultaneously provides structural support, blade positioning, and securing mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, adjustment mechanisms, and fastening systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The counterknife holder is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different blade types and configurations. The standardized interface and adjustable features allow the same holder to securely mount various blade styles, reducing the number of different parts needed and simplifying the overall system.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4445718B1Fixed blade concentric knife holder for agricultural harvesters
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
  • EP4445718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4445718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4445718B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An agricultural harvester residue counterknife assembly having: a first blade extending in a first blade plane; and a knife holder. The knife holder includes a first blade mount configured to secure to the first blade, a first arm extending from the blade mount and having a first passage extending therethrough, and a second arm extending from the blade mount and having a second passage extending therethrough. The first arm and the second arm define an opening between the first arm and second arm, the opening extends along a blade shaft direction that is generally orthogonal to the first blade plane, and the first passage and the second passage are collinear along an axis that passes through the opening. Also provided are an agricultural harvester having a residue counterknife assembly, and a method of servicing a residue counterknife assembly.