Forage Harvester Post-Acceleration Element Adjustment Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complex structure of existing displacement mechanisms in self-propelled forage harvesters leads to increased play and difficulty in sensitive position adjustment of the post-acceleration element.

Innovation Solution

A simplified adjustment mechanism where the axis of rotation is mounted in bearing consoles that pivot about a fixed axis, connected to actuators, reducing the number of connection points and allowing direct and precise adjustment of the post-acceleration element, with options for mechanical or hydraulic actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex displacement mechanism with multiple connection points is used to move the post-acceleration element, then the structure can achieve movement adjustment, but the increased number of connection points leads to increased play and reduced adjustment sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidposition adjustment sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: one connection point for moving the post-acceleration element axially and another for moving it radially. This segmentation eliminates the accumulation of play from multiple connection points in a single complex mechanism, thereby improving position adjustment sensitivity while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points are used in the displacement mechanism, then the structure can accommodate various movement requirements, but the complexity of the mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement adjustment flexibilityVSAvoiddisplacement mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex single mechanism is divided into two simpler independent connection points, each handling a specific movement direction. This segmentation reduces the overall structural complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve both axial and radial movements of the post-acceleration element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radial movement function is extracted as a separate connection point from the axial displacement mechanism. This extraction simplifies the main displacement mechanism while preserving the full range of motion capabilities through the added independent connection point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a simplified mechanism with fewer connection points is used, then the structure becomes less complex and easier to adjust, but the ability to accommodate various movement requirements may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement mechanism structureVSAvoidposition adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than oversimplifying to a single connection point, the mechanism is segmented into two strategic connection points that together provide complete movement capability. This segmented approach maintains full adaptability while achieving the simplification and reduced complexity sought in the problem statement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables precise and sensitive adjustment of the post-acceleration element, improving the accuracy and efficiency of crop acceleration and reducing the risk of damage from overload, while being cost-effective and adaptable to wear changes.

Implementation Method 1

the bearing consoles are arranged on the housing at one end so that they can pivot about a pivot axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting movement: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

each connected to an actuator at their opposite free end. This arrangement has the advantage that only two connection or engagement points on the housing are required in order to effect a movement for adjusting the post-acceleration element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2944183B1Forage harvester
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 CLAAS SAULGAU GMBH
  • EP2944183B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2944183B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2944183B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a forage harvester (1) with a post-acceleration element (16) arranged inside the forage harvester, designed as a conveying blower rotating about a rotary axis (24), partially enclosed by a housing (19) that is open in sections, which extends section by section into a crop conveying path, wherein the extent of the extension into the crop conveying path is adjustable by a displacement of the post-acceleration element (16) relative to the housing (19), and a wall (20) opposite the open section, wherein the rotary axis (24) is rotatably mounted in bearing brackets (26) arranged at its ends, and wherein the bearing brackets (26) are pivotably arranged about a pivot axis (27) on the housing (19) at one end and are each connected to an actuator (30) at their opposite free end.