Extendable Table Windrow Chute for Harvesters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesters face challenges in easily adjusting the crop chute, which is time-consuming and interferes with maintenance due to its protruding profile, limiting operator access for service procedures.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length windrow chute with a sliding table and pivotally attached side deflectors that can be moved between extended and retracted positions, allowing for easy adjustment of the distribution pattern and facilitating maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the chute is manually adjusted in indexed positions to alter distribution pattern, then the distribution pattern can be changed, but the adjustment process becomes burdensome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is transformed from a static structure with fixed indexed positions to a dynamic system that can continuously adjust its angle and position. The side panels are made pivotable relative to the floor panel, and the entire chute can rotate relative to the combine chassis, enabling real-time adjustment of the distribution pattern without time-consuming manual repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The chute system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can distribute crop material in various patterns (windrows or dispersed), adjust to different angles for different field conditions, and provide maintenance access when retracted. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chute is positioned in extended configuration for operation, then the distribution pattern can be adjusted, but the protruding profile interferes with maintenance access to the rear of the combine
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed as a dynamic structure that can change its configuration between operational and maintenance states. During operation, the side panels are extended and angled for optimal distribution. During maintenance, the entire chute rotates to a retracted position parallel to the combine chassis, eliminating the protruding profile and providing clear access to the rear of the combine
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels are designed to nest against the floor panel when retracted, and the entire chute nests parallel to the combine body. This nesting capability allows the chute to minimize its profile during maintenance while maintaining full functionality during operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A spreader (200,500) configured for dispersing a non-grain crop material onto a field. The spreader includes a floor panel (204,504) having a distal end (204B,504B), a pair of side deflectors (206,506) pivotally connected to the floor panel, and a table (208,508) slideably connected to the floor panel and slideable between a retracted position and an extended position in which at least a portion of the table is extended past the distal end of the floor panel.