Electromagnetic Sieve Drive for Combine Harvester Cleaning
Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvester cleaning systems are complex and costly due to multiple components like input drives, eccentric devices, and pitman arms, and they do not allow for independent control of sieves to tailor the shaking motion for specific crops or minimize vibration.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic propulsion system with electromagnets and a side-shaking control system moves the sieve in a reciprocating motion, reducing the number of components and enabling independent control of sieves for tailored motion and vibration reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical drive systems (input drive, eccentric device, pitman arm) are used to drive sieves, then the sieves can perform reciprocating motion for cleaning, but the number of components increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drive system (input drive, eccentric device, pitman arm) with an electromagnetic drive system. Electromagnets mounted on the sieve directly generate magnetic forces to produce reciprocating motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components while maintaining reliable sieve operation.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical drive systems are used, then the sieves can be driven, but the system requires multiple components including input drive, eccentric device, and pitman arm increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic drive system replaces complex mechanical assemblies with electrically actuated components. Electromagnets are mounted directly on the sieve, and reciprocating motion is achieved through electromagnetic forces rather than mechanical linkages, significantly simplifying assembly and manufacturing processes.
3Device complexity
If sieves are driven by a common mechanical drive system, then the system structure is simplified, but independent control of individual sieves for tailored shaking motion is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system by providing separate electromagnetic drive units for each sieve. This allows independent control of each sieve's reciprocating motion, enabling tailored shaking patterns for different crop types while maintaining structural simplicity through the modular electromagnetic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic drive system enables dynamic control of each sieve independently. By controlling the timing and intensity of electromagnetic forces on individual sieves, the system can adapt shaking motion parameters to match specific crop requirements, providing versatility without mechanical complexity.
4Reliability
If traditional mechanical linkages are used to transmit motion to sieves, then the system can operate, but vibration experienced in the combine station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages that transmit vibration to the combine structure with direct electromagnetic actuation of the sieves. This isolation of the drive mechanism reduces vibration transmission to the combine station while maintaining reliable sieve operation through controlled electromagnetic forces.
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 magnetic propulsion system simplifies the cleaning system, reduces vibration, and allows for customizable shaking motion based on crop type, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic material is fixedly mounted to one of the sieve and the stationary housing, and the at least one electromagnet is fixed to the other of the stationary housing and the sieve, such that either magnetic attraction or magnetic repulsion causes the sieve to move with respect to the stationary housing.
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic material is fixedly mounted to one of the sieve and the stationary housing, and the at least one electromagnet is fixed to the other of the stationary housing and the sieve, such that either magnetic attraction or magnetic repulsion causes the sieve to move with respect to the stationary housing.
Implementation Method 3
A magnetic propulsion system with electromagnets and a side-shaking control system moves the sieve in a reciprocating motion
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for a combine harvester includes a sieve for capturing grain, and a magnetic propulsion system configured to move the sieve in a reciprocating motion with respect to a stationary housing of the combine harvester. The magnetic propulsion system includes a magnet that moves as the sieve moves and a plurality of electromagnets arranged along a path of movement of the magnet during a throw stroke and a return stroke of the sieve. During the throw stroke, the plurality of electromagnets may be one of attracted to and repulsed by the magnet. During the return stroke, the plurality of electromagnets may be another of attracted to and repulsed by the magnet. The magnet may move along an arc, and the plurality of magnet may be arranged along an arc adjacent to the magnet.