Intermediate Transport Means for Flax Harvesting Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled agricultural machines for harvesting plants with fibrous stems, such as flax, often experience jamming in the recovery zone, leading to machine stoppages, reduced harvesting efficiency, and increased maintenance costs due to mechanical damage from repeated jams.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of intermediate transport means, such as extended belts or secondary connecting belts, within the recovery zone to guide stems from the conveying means to the spreading means, ensuring a constant recovery zone size and optimized stem alignment, reducing the risk of jamming by bringing stems closer to the spreading table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the collection zone is left empty between conveying means and spreading means, then the machine structure is simple, but the plant stems accumulate and cause jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate transport means (extension belts or secondary connecting belts) as a mediator between the conveying means and spreading means. These intermediate belts fill the collection zone gap, continuously guiding plant stems from the conveying belts to the spreading table, preventing stem accumulation and jamming while maintaining a relatively simple overall machine structure.
2Reliability
If intermediate transport means are added in the collection zone, then jamming is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intermediate transport function with the existing conveying system by extending the conveying belts into the collection zone or by using secondary connecting belts that integrate with the pulley system. This combining approach adds minimal structural complexity while effectively preventing jamming through continuous stem guidance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the conveying belts are extended into the collection zone, then stem alignment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic belt extension where the conveying belts are designed to extend flexibly into the collection zone and follow the natural flow of plant stems. The belts can adapt their position dynamically as stems move through the system, improving alignment without requiring complex rigid structures or precise manufacturing tolerances.
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
Significantly reduces machine downtime and maintenance costs associated with jamming, while maintaining consistent harvesting efficiency and yield by preventing stem accumulation and facilitating smooth stem deposition.
Implementation Method 1
belt-driven conveying means for transporting the uprooted plant stems and moving them from a substantially vertical lifting position to a substantially horizontal transport position by pivoting approximately 90°
Implementation Method 2
the belts form, on said pulleys, a bend inclined downwards towards said table
Implementation Method 3
the intermediate means of transport include additional pulleys, some of which are located as close as possible to the display means, in particular in the immediate vicinity of the display table, and the belts form, on said pulleys, a bend inclined downwards towards said table
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural machine (1) for harvesting fibrous stem plants by uprooting, comprising at least a chassis (10) mounted on wheels (12), a driver's cab (14), an engine (16), uprooting means (20) for uprooting the plant stems by pinching as the agricultural machine (1) advances, conveying means (30) for transporting the uprooted plant stems and moving them from a substantially vertical uprooting position to a substantially horizontal transport position by pivoting approximately 90°, said conveying means (30) being inclined upwards and supporting the uprooting means (20), spreading means (40) for depositing the plant stems on the ground behind the agricultural machine (1), a collection zone (50) forming a gap being defined between the end of the conveying means (30) and the beginning of the spreading means (40),characterized in that it further comprises intermediate transport means (60) located at least partly within the retrieval zone (50) in order to accompany the plant stems after their pivoting from the conveying means (30) to the display means (40).