Flexible Auger Cover Hinge for Grain Ejection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auger covers for grain bins in combine harvesters suffer from grain ejection issues due to gaps that cause back-pressure and grain entrapment, leading to inefficiencies and mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A hingedly attached cover plate made of flexible and resilient canvas material with a vulcanized rubber coating, designed to minimize grain ejection and maintain functionality despite varying grain levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a fixed sheet metal auger cover is used to stop grain ejection, then grain ejection is controlled, but the gap between the cover and auger tube causes back-pressure on the auger screw resulting in excessive torque demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the auger cover movable rather than fixed. The cover is attached to the auger tube via a hinge mechanism that allows it to pivot between a raised position (when grain level is low) and a lowered position (when grain level is high). This dynamic adjustment enables the cover to adapt to changing grain levels, maintaining effective grain containment while allowing sufficient gap clearance to minimize back-pressure on the auger screw.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a pivoted cover is used to constrain grain ejection directions, then grain ejection is controlled, but grains may get caught within the hinging mechanism stopping the cover from returning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hinge system with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets are embedded in the auger tube and interact with corresponding magnets in the cover, creating a magnetic field that guides and returns the cover to its proper position without physical contact. This substitution eliminates grain entrapment issues in mechanical hinges while maintaining effective grain ejection control.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the auger tube and the cover. Instead of direct mechanical contact through hinges that can trap grains, the magnetic field mediates the interaction, providing guidance and return force without physical barriers that could catch grain particles.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the gap between the auger cover and auger tube is reduced to control grain ejection, then grain ejection is minimized, but back-pressure on the auger screw increases resulting in excessive torque demand
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning of the cover allows the gap size to vary with grain level. When grain levels are low, the cover is raised creating a larger gap that reduces back-pressure. When grain levels rise, the cover lowers to reduce the gap and control grain ejection. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between grain containment and torque requirements.
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 flexible canvas hinge plate effectively controls grain ejection, preventing blockages and mechanical failures while adapting to changing grain levels, ensuring efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge comprises a hinge plate of flexible material... the hinge plate comprises a flexible material which is also resilient... the cover plate of the auger cover is resiliently urged towards a starting position
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed an auger cover for an auger conveyor for a grain bin of a combine harvester, said auger cover comprising a cover plate, said cover plate being hingedly attached to the auger conveyor, characterised in that the hinge comprises a hinge plate of flexible material.