Foldable Grain Harvester Bulk Carrier for Road Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain harvesting machines, such as those for peanuts, face challenges in transportation due to the bulk carrier and collecting set dimensions exceeding the machine body, necessitating disassembly and separate storage, leading to increased costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of hinging devices on the bulk carrier and collecting set, activated by hydraulic cylinders, allows for dimensional adaptation and swiveling, enabling transport without disassembly, with mechanical locks ensuring stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the bulk carrier and collecting set are designed with large dimensions to accommodate harvesting operations, then the harvesting capacity is improved, but the transportation capability deteriorates as they exceed the machine body measurements and require disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk carrier and collecting set are designed with movable, hinged portions that can dynamically change their configuration. The bulk carrier includes a hinged rear closure that can pivot to reduce overall length, and the collecting set has hinged external segments that can fold inward. These dynamic transformations allow the equipment to adapt between a large working configuration for harvesting and a compact transport configuration that fits within the machine body measurements, eliminating the need for disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The collecting set is designed with internal and external segments that can nest within each other during transport. The external segments can be positioned inside the bulk carrier or folded against the machine body, creating a nested arrangement that significantly reduces the overall dimensions. This nesting principle allows the large-volume harvesting components to be stored compactly without requiring separate storage or disassembly operations.
2Volume of moving object
If the bulk carrier and collecting set are designed with large dimensions for harvesting operations, then the harvesting capacity is improved, but the transportation cost increases due to separate storage and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic hinging mechanisms allow the equipment to self-transform between working and transport configurations without requiring external assistance, technical staff, or separate storage facilities. The bulk carrier's hinged rear closure and the collecting set's hinged external segments can be repositioned using the existing hydraulic system already present on the machine, eliminating the need for additional assembly operations and reducing transportation logistics costs.
3Volume of moving object
If the bulk carrier and collecting set are designed with large dimensions, then the harvesting capacity is improved, but the safety risk increases during transport between farms
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged portions of the bulk carrier and collecting set can be dynamically repositioned to a compact configuration during transport, reducing the overall dimensions to fit within the machine body. This dynamic transformation eliminates protruding parts that could cause accidents or path obstruction, while mechanical locks engage to secure the hinged portions in their transport position, ensuring stability and safety during movement between farms.
4Volume of moving object
If the bulk carrier and collecting set are designed with large dimensions, then the harvesting capacity is improved, but the time required for disassembly and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged mechanisms eliminate the need for complete disassembly and reassembly of the bulk carrier and collecting set. The movable portions can be quickly repositioned from working to transport configuration and vice versa using the existing hydraulic system, reducing the time required from potentially hours of manual assembly to minutes of automated repositioning. The mechanical locks provide quick engagement and disengagement, further reducing the time required for configuration changes.
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
Facilitates safe and cost-effective transportation by reducing operational time, freight costs, and compliance with transport regulations, while eliminating the need for disassembly and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
hinges and support arms of the bucket and the support structure of the receiving device are provided with hinging devices to reduce their lateral dimensions, those hinging devices being activated by hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
hinges and support arms of the bucket and the support structure of the receiving device are provided with hinging devices to reduce their lateral dimensions
Implementation Method 3
To keep the dimensional adaptation of the bulk carrier in its working position, easily assembled mechanical locks are included, thus guaranteeing its functional stability
Data Source
AI summary
A constructive arrangement applied to a grain harvesting machine reducing the sizes of the bulk carrier and the collecting set, bringing them to measurements which are compatible with the body of the machine, thus enabling transportation next to the machine, with no need to disassemble any parts, having hinges and support arms of the bucket and the support structure of the receiving device provided with hinging devices to reduce their lateral dimensions, those hinging devices being activated by hydraulic cylinders.