Hydraulically Suspended Combine Feeder Chain Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvester feeders face issues with chain or belt tension variability due to crop loading dynamics and wear, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A feeder system for agricultural harvesters equipped with an actuator and sensor system that adjusts chain tension and monitors force changes, allowing for real-time control of operational parameters such as feed rate and driving speed to optimize harvesting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-biased actuator is used to maintain chain tension, then the chain tension can be kept roughly constant, but continuous variations in chain tension occur due to crop loading and dynamic factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor continuously monitors the chain tension and sends signals to a controller, which then adjusts the actuator position to maintain optimal tension. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by actively compensating for variations in crop loading and dynamic factors, achieving both stability and precision in tension control.
2Productivity
If the feeder chain is designed with optimal tension for normal operation, then harvesting efficiency is maximized, but the chain loosens over time due to wear and stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable tensioning system that can modify chain tension in real-time based on operational conditions and wear state. The sensor-based monitoring allows the system to detect changes in chain condition and automatically adjust tension, maintaining optimal harvesting efficiency while compensating for wear and stretching over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system continuously monitors chain tension and compares it against optimal values, automatically adjusting the actuator to maintain proper tension despite wear and stretching. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt to changing chain conditions while maintaining consistent harvesting performance.
3Reliability
If the actuator is used to adjust chain tension, then tension variations can be controlled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the sensor automatically detects chain tension variations and the controller autonomously adjusts the actuator position without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity while maintaining reliable tension control, as the system manages its own adjustment based on real-time feedback.
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 maintains consistent chain tension, improves harvesting efficiency, increases yield and energy efficiency, and reduces wear and downtime by allowing for adaptive adjustments based on real-time sensor data.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator is coupled between the feeder housing and the front shaft and configured to adjust a tension in the at least one feeder loop by adjusting a distance between the front shaft and the rear shaft
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is operative to generate a sensor signal representative of a force acting on the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder for an agricultural harvester includes a feeder housing, a front shaft, a rear shaft, at least one feeder loop, and a plurality of feeder slats. The feeder loop is drivable around the rear and front shafts. The feeder slats are mounted to the feeder loop and configured for moving harvested crop over a bottom of the feeder housing, from the front shaft towards the rear shaft. An actuator is coupled between the feeder housing and the front shaft and configured to adjust a tension in the feeder loop by adjusting a distance between the front shaft and the rear shaft. A sensor is operative to generate a sensor signal representative of a force acting on the actuator and configured to, in dependence of the sensor signal, control at least one operational parameter of the agricultural harvester other than the tension in the at least one feeder loop.