Dual-Sided Concave Adjustment for Twin Axial-Flow Crop Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional twin-rotor combine harvesters face limitations in adjusting the clearance between the concave and rotor, leading to suboptimal threshing and separation efficiency due to single-sided adjustment mechanisms, which can result in grain damage or reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sided concave adjustment system using moveable inner and outer support structures with actuators to adjust the concave clearance at both the inlet and outlet sides, allowing independent or locked adjustment for flexibility and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-sided concave adjustment is used, then the structure is simpler, but the clearance adjustment flexibility and threshing effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The concave adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent inlet side adjustment and outlet side adjustment components. The inlet side concave can be adjusted relative to the rotor, and the outlet side concave can be adjusted independently, allowing flexible clearance control at both ends of the concave structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from single-sided (one-dimensional adjustment) to dual-sided adjustment by adding adjustment capability at both the inlet and outlet sides of the concave, effectively adding a second adjustment dimension to the system.
2Productivity
If dual-sided concave adjustment is implemented, then the threshing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet side and outlet side adjustment mechanisms are merged into a unified concave assembly that moves as an integrated unit. Both adjustment sides share common support structures and coordination mechanisms, reducing the overall complexity compared to having completely independent adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-sided adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it can adjust clearance at the inlet side, adjust clearance at the outlet side, and coordinate both adjustments to optimize threshing effectiveness for different crop types and conditions.
3Reliability
If fixed concave clearance is used, then the structure is more robust, but the adaptability to different crops and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The concave clearance transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adjustable system. The inlet side concave and outlet side concave can be independently adjusted during operation to accommodate different crop types, harvest conditions, and performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clearance parameter between the concave and rotor can be changed at both the inlet and outlet sides. This allows optimization of the clearance parameter for different crops (e.g., smaller clearance for wheat, larger for corn) and harvesting conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A combine harvester including a frame and two axial-flow crop processing rotors mounted to the frame. An inner support structure is located between the two rotors and mounted to the frame by a first linkage. Two outer support structures are located outboard of the two rotors and mounted to the frame by respective second and third linkages. The inner support structure and two outer support structures carry first and second pluralities of concave grate segments at a radial distance from the respective rotors. A concave adjustment system includes a first actuator coupled to the first linkage which is configured to raise and lower the inner support structure. A second actuator is coupled to the second and third linkages and is configured to raise and lower the two outer support structures. The first linkage includes a first rockshaft mounted to the frame and aligned perpendicular to the rotation axis. The second and third linkages include and share a second rockshaft that is arranged coaxial to the first rockshaft.