Electrical Sieve Pivoting for Even Crop Distribution on Slopes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled combine harvesters experience one-sided strain and limited cleaning efficiency due to crop accumulation on conveying and cleaning elements when threshing on slopes, as existing solutions require extensive installation space, are costly, and have mechanical limitations.

Innovation Solution

A pivoting device with an electrical control unit that adjusts the direction of oscillation for the conveying and cleaning elements based on combine harvester states, using actuators that require less space and are more cost-effective, allowing for quick installation and considering various conditions for even crop distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical device with container and piston-cylinder unit is used to adjust the oscillation direction, then the oscillation direction can be changed, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation direction adjustmentVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical piston-cylinder unit with an electric actuator that is directly controlled by an electrical control unit. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity and space requirements while maintaining the ability to adjust the oscillation direction of the conveying and cleaning element based on combine harvester inclination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of adjusting the oscillation direction and implements it through a simplified pivoting device with fewer components. The complex mechanical system with container and piston-cylinder unit is reduced to a more compact arrangement that achieves the same functional goal with less installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical construction with multiple components is used, then the oscillation direction can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation direction adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and control mechanisms with an electric actuator and electrical control system. This substitution reduces the number of precision-machined parts, assembly steps, and maintenance requirements, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to adjust oscillation direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical force transmission through multiple components to electrical signal control. This parameter change allows for a more cost-effective implementation using standard electric actuators and control units rather than custom-machined mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a mechanical activation via pendulum is used, then the control valve can be activated, but the dependence on inclination is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic controlVSAvoidinclination dependence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pendulum-based mechanical activation with an electrical control system that can process multiple sensor inputs. This substitution enables the system to respond to various inclinations and operating conditions beyond what a simple pendulum mechanism can detect, improving both the range of inclination dependence and the overall control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are arranged on the combine harvester, then the pivoting function can be achieved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting functionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components into a more integrated pivoting device assembly. The electric actuator, mounting brackets, and connection elements are designed to be installed as a unified system rather than as numerous separate parts, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining the pivoting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3794932B1Pivoting device for uniformly distributing a product on a conveying and cleaning element
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP3794932B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3794932B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3794932B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-propelled combine harvester (1) with at least one pivoting device (37) for the uniform distribution of a harvested crop on a reciprocating conveying and cleaning element (88), in particular an upper sieve (22), wherein the pivoting device (37) comprises elements (38, 45, 47, 54) for defining a direction of oscillation of the conveying and cleaning element (88), which are arranged between the conveying and cleaning element (88) and a machine housing (26), wherein the pivoting device (37) comprises an actuator (58) for stepless adjustment of at least one component (51) of the elements (38, 45, 47, 54) from a starting position to an adjustment position, wherein the position of the at least one component (51) decisively defines the direction of oscillation, wherein an electrical control unit (84) is provided.which, depending on at least one state of the combine harvester (1) and/or harvested crop and the initial position of at least one component (51) of the pivoting device (37), directly or indirectly controls the actuator (58).