Draper Platform Removable Central Roller Baffle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing draper platforms for combines are not well-suited for all crop conditions, as the top cross auger over the conveyor drum can be either too aggressive or not aggressive enough, leading to crop loss or damage.
Innovation Solution
A draper platform with two separate top cross augers and a removably mounted central roller baffle that can be customized by selecting from different configurations or completely removed, allowing for adjustable crop interaction based on specific crop conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single top cross auger is used over the conveyor drum, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different crop conditions and may cause crop loss or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The single top cross auger is divided into two separate top cross augers (left and right), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to better adapt to different crop conditions by adjusting each auger independently, while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The top cross augers are made adjustable and removable rather than fixed. The coupling arrangements allow the augers to be dynamically reconfigured or removed based on crop conditions, transforming the static structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to varying harvesting requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the top cross auger is fixed in place, then the structure is stable, but it cannot be customized for different crop conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The top cross augers are designed with removable coupling arrangements that allow them to be easily installed and removed. This dynamic configuration enables operators to customize the auger setup for different crop conditions without permanent modifications, improving both adaptability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of operational parameters by removing or adjusting the top cross augers based on crop conditions. This parameter change capability enables customization of the harvesting system to match specific crop requirements, enhancing both adaptability and operational flexibility
3Productivity
If the top cross auger interacts aggressively with the crop, then crop movement is efficient, but crop loss or damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The top cross augers are positioned and configured to provide localized crop interaction at specific points rather than uniform aggressive contact across the entire crop flow. This localized approach maintains efficient crop movement while reducing overall crop damage by distributing the interaction forces
Solution Approach 2:
The removable and adjustable nature of the top cross augers allows operators to dynamically adjust the level of crop interaction based on crop conditions. When crops are particularly vulnerable, the augers can be removed or adjusted to reduce aggressiveness, while maintaining productivity when crop conditions allow
Data Source
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AI summary
A draper platform (30) for mounting on a feeder house of an agricultural combine may include a frame (32), a center belt conveyor (34) to carry cut crop material rearwardly towards a center opening (50) in the frame (32) through which crop may be fed into a feeder house, a left side belt conveyor (36) to carry cut crop material to the center belt conveyor (34), a right side belt conveyor (38) to carry cut crop material to the center belt conveyor (34), at least one elongate reciprocating knife assembly (42) extending along a front edge of each of the center belt conveyor (34), the left side belt conveyor (36) and the right side belt conveyor (38), a left side top cross auger (44) above the left side belt conveyor (36), the left side top cross auger (44) having a right inner end (64), a right side top cross auger (46) above the right side belt conveyor (38), the right side top cross auger (46) having a left inner end (74) opposite to and spaced from the right inner end and a conveyor drum (48) above the center belt conveyor (34) below a space between the right inner end and the left inner end.