Feed Drum Guide Layout for Split Axial Rotor Crop Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters face issues with crop flow distribution to axial rotors, leading to blockages and inefficiencies at low peripheral speeds and high crop throughputs.
Innovation Solution
The feed drum is redesigned with V-shaped and lateral guide elements on its cylindrical surface, spaced to allow crop flow diversion into two partial streams, and equipped with detachable wear elements and adjustable inlet segments to enhance crop distribution and prevent blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the feed drum operates at low peripheral speeds and high crop throughputs, then the crop flow distribution capability is improved, but blockages and obstructions of the feed drum occur
Solution Approach 1:
The feed drum surface is segmented into multiple functional zones with different guide element configurations. The V-shaped guide elements divide the crop flow into separate streams, while longitudinal guide elements create additional flow paths. This segmentation prevents crop accumulation by distributing the load across multiple flow channels, reducing blockage risk at high throughput conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional aspect to crop flow management by arranging guide elements in three-dimensional space on the drum surface. The combination of V-shaped elements (radial dimension) and longitudinal elements (axial dimension) creates a multi-dimensional flow distribution system that enhances crop diversion capability without increasing drum speed
2Ease of operation
If guide elements are arranged closely together on the feed drum, then crop flow distribution is improved, but crop accumulation in front of guide elements occurs leading to blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements are arranged with optimal spacing that provides sufficient crop flow distribution without excessive density. The V-shaped guide elements are positioned to create partial flow division, allowing crop to naturally distribute into multiple streams without requiring complete coverage. This partial action approach maintains good distribution while preventing accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the feed drum surface are equipped with guide elements of different types and densities. The V-shaped guide elements are concentrated in regions requiring flow division, while longitudinal elements are placed where flow direction control is needed. This localized optimization ensures effective crop distribution without creating accumulation zones
3Device complexity
If the feed drum is designed with fixed guide elements, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying harvesting conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feed drum design incorporates adjustable guide elements that can be repositioned or reconfigured based on harvesting conditions. The guide elements are mounted on adjustable mechanisms allowing modification of their position and orientation, enabling the system to adapt to different crop types, moisture contents, and throughput requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-propelled combine harvester (1) with a separation device (2) comprising two axial rotors (3), each with an upstream inlet area (23) and an upstream inlet segment (15), and a feed drum (12) with a cylindrical surface (16) arranged upstream of the separation device (2) and designed to feed a crop flow (7) into the separation device (2), wherein the feed drum (12) is designed as a separation drum (14) which divides a crop flow (7) into two partial flows (24), wherein the feed drum (12) has, on its cylindrical surface (16) in its central region (17), guide elements (18) formed in a circumferential direction that are essentially V-shaped, and wherein the feed drum (12) has, on its cylindrical surface (16) in its outer region (21), further lateral guide elements (22) which are inclined substantially to the Crop flow (7) of the crop runs,wherein the feed drum (12) has further guide elements (25) extending substantially longitudinally across its outer surface (16), which are arranged substantially between the V-shaped guide elements (18) and lateral guide elements (22), wherein at least the V-shaped guide elements (18) and/or the lateral guide elements (22) are spaced apart from the substantially longitudinally extending guide elements (25).