Dynamic Sieve Control for Grain Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesters face grain loss due to uneven distribution of crop material on sieves during the cleaning process, caused by imbalances and variations in the threshing and separation systems, leading to reduced cleaning capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic sieve control system equipped with load sensors and a sieve slope compensating system that tilts and shakes the sieve to redistribute crop material, detecting imbalances and adjusting the lateral tilt or shaking to optimize distribution and prevent grain loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If crop material is threshed and separated using a rotating rotor within concaves, then grain separation from non-grain material is achieved, but uneven distribution of crop material on the cleaning sieve occurs causing grain loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sieve movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The sieve can be tilted and positioned at different angles to optimize material distribution and prevent grain loss, transforming a static cleaning surface into a dynamic one that adapts to varying material flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the sieve system, specifically the angle and position of the sieve, to improve material distribution. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes cleaning capacity and reduces grain loss without changing the fundamental cleaning mechanism
2Productivity
If the sieve is made stationary with fixed position, then the cleaning system structure is simple, but cleaning efficiency is reduced due to uneven material distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the sieve system, allowing it to move and change position during operation. This dynamic feature improves cleaning efficiency by ensuring even material distribution while adding controlled complexity through actuators and control mechanisms
3Speed
If the rotor speed is increased to improve threshing efficiency, then grain separation speed increases, but variations in material movement through concaves alter distribution on sieves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect material distribution on the sieve and automatically adjusting sieve position or angle in response. This closed-loop system compensates for distribution variations caused by high-speed threshing, maintaining uniform material distribution despite variations in rotor speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts physical parameters of the sieve system in response to changing operating conditions. By dynamically changing sieve position and angle based on material flow characteristics, the system maintains optimal distribution even when rotor speed varies
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
The system improves cleaning capacity by ensuring even distribution of crop material on the sieve, reducing grain loss and enhancing the separation of grain from non-grain crop material, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of load sensors are coupled to the sieve. The load sensors are configured to produce signals representative of a distributed load of the crop material on the sieve.
Implementation Method 2
The sieve slope compensating system is configured to tilt and/or alter the shaking of the sieve dependent upon the signals
Implementation Method 3
The sieve slope compensating system is configured to tilt and/or alter the shaking of the sieve
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning section of an agricultural harvester. The cleaning section including a sieve, a plurality of load sensors, and a sieve slope compensating system. The sieve is positioned in the harvester to receive crop material from a threshing section. The plurality of load sensors are coupled to the sieve. The load sensors are configured to produce signals representative of a distributed load of the crop material on the sieve. The sieve slope compensating system is configured to tilt or side shake the sieve dependent upon the signals.