Dynamic Concave Threshing Bars for Crop-Adaptive Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combine harvester concaves have fixed threshing bars that do not adapt to varying crop characteristics, leading to inefficient threshing and increased unthreshed grain, which results in lost revenue and reduced harvesting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically operated concave threshing bar system that adjusts its position and spacing in real-time based on crop conditions and combine performance parameters, utilizing sensors, AI, and machine learning to optimize threshing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed threshing bars are used in conventional concaves, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but threshing efficiency deteriorates and unthreshed grain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed threshing bars into adjustable and movable bars. The concave system allows bars to be repositioned along the concave surface and adjusted in spacing dynamically during operation, enabling adaptation to different crop types and conditions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design
2Device complexity
If fixed spacing between threshing bars is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying crop characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of bar spacing and positioning through movable mounting mechanisms that allow operators to reconfigure the concave configuration based on crop characteristics, achieving versatility without substantial complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The concave is divided into multiple independent bar units that can be individually positioned and adjusted, allowing segmented adaptation to different crop requirements while maintaining overall system simplicity
3Ease of operation
If conventional fixed concaves are used, then ease of operation is improved, but harvesting efficiency deteriorates due to unthreshed grain
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bar system allows dynamic reconfiguration during operation to optimize threshing performance for different crops, improving harvesting efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through straightforward adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamically operated concave threshing bar system, method, and apparatus wherein one or more threshing bars within a concave can dynamically move to various positions in real-time based on one or more conditions such as the type crop being harvested and on a determination by a combine harvester's computerized system, artificial intelligence (AI) system, or upon the operators input, among others. The concave can include a concave frame having a pair of arcuate side members, a threshing bar, and an actuator coupled to the threshing bar, wherein the actuator can be configured to move the threshing bar along the arcuate side members of the concave frame.