Crop Processor Bearing Protection via Slipping Clutch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Forage harvesters face safety hazards and bearing damage when the crop processor is moved to an inoperative position due to high-speed rotation, leading to unnecessary wear and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A movable crop processor that rotates its rolls at a slower speed when inoperative, using an electric motor or power from the forage harvester's engine through a gearbox or slipping clutch, allowing the same belt to drive the processor and reducing vibration-induced bearing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the crop processor is moved to the inoperative position with the belt removed, then safety hazard is reduced, but bearing damage occurs due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by rotating the rolls at a reduced speed using a slipping clutch that allows intermittent slip, creating a periodic motion pattern. This slow rotation periodically redistributes the vibration loads across different bearing locations, preventing continuous concentrated stress on the same bearing points, thus protecting bearings while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the rolls by reducing their rotation speed when in the inoperative position. The slipping clutch mechanism allows the rolls to rotate much slower than during operation, changing the speed parameter from high to low. This parameter change reduces the centrifugal forces and vibration intensity, thereby protecting bearings from damage while still preventing the safety hazards of stationary high-speed components
2Reliability
If the crop processor is removed from the vehicle, then wear is avoided, but the task becomes difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the crop processor movable between operative and inoperative positions on the vehicle. Instead of complete removal, the processor can be dynamically repositioned to an inoperative location where it remains accessible but not in the crop path. This dynamic positioning maintains ease of operation while reducing wear during periods when the processor is not needed
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the crop processor is left in the inoperative position on the vehicle, then safety hazard is reduced, but bearing damage occurs due to high-speed rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by rotating the rolls at a reduced speed using a slipping clutch that allows intermittent slip, creating a periodic motion pattern. This slow rotation periodically redistributes the vibration loads across different bearing locations, preventing continuous concentrated stress on the same bearing points, thus protecting bearings while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the rolls by reducing their rotation speed when in the inoperative position. The slipping clutch mechanism allows the rolls to rotate much slower than during operation, changing the speed parameter from high to low. This parameter change reduces the centrifugal forces and vibration intensity, thereby protecting bearings from damage while still preventing the safety hazards of stationary high-speed components
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 solution enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents and prolongs the life of bearings by minimizing vibration-induced wear when the crop processor is not in use.
Implementation Method 1
from the blower, using a slipping clutch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A forage harvester has a crop processor (16) that is movable between an operative position in which the rolls of the crop processor lie in the path of the crop flowing through the harvester and an inoperative position. In the invention, means, such as an electric motor (22) and a repositionable belt (20), are provided for rotating the rolls of the crop processor (16), when the crop processor is in the inoperative position, at a low speed sufficient to avoid vibration induced damage to the rotating components of the crop processor.