Forage Harvester Transfer Spout Connection Unit for Easier Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled harvesting machines with support systems on transfer devices require complex manual efforts during maintenance, repairs, and modifications due to multiple connection points for support system supply lines, leading to assembly errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled harvesting machine with a connection unit on the transfer device that centralizes connections for support system supply lines, providing a compact and accessible interface for easy connection and disconnection, reducing the number of connection points and simplifying maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points are used for support system supply lines on the transfer device, then the support system can be connected at various locations, but the complexity of maintenance, repair, and modification increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of connection locationsVSAvoidcomplexity of maintenance and modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple connection points into a single connection unit that integrates all supply line connections (hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic) in one location. This merging approach maintains the ability to connect support systems while eliminating the complexity associated with multiple分散 connection points, making maintenance and modification straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points are distributed along the unloading device, then connection flexibility is provided, but assembly errors occur and time is lost during connection and disconnection operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidtime for connection and disconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

All connection operations are consolidated at the single connection unit, allowing technicians to connect or disconnect all supply lines simultaneously in one location rather than traveling along the unloading device to access multiple distributed connection points, significantly reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection unit acts as an intermediary interface between the support system and the harvesting machine's supply lines, providing a centralized access point that simplifies all connection and disconnection operations while maintaining the functional relationships of multiple supply lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If connection points are located at various positions on the transfer device, then installation flexibility is achieved, but mechanical protection of connections becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical impacts on connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating all connection points into the single connection unit mounted on the harvesting machine, the patent protects all supply line connections from mechanical impacts at once. This centralized location is structurally protected, eliminating the vulnerability of distributed connection points exposed along the movable unloading device while preserving installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4656029A1Self-propelled forage harvester
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 CLAAS SAULGAU GMBH
  • EP4656029A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4656029A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4656029A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-propelled harvesting machine (1), preferably a forage harvester, with a transfer device (10) for transferring a stream of harvested material and with a support system connected to supply lines (44) of the harvesting machine (1), which is at least partially arranged at a free end (11) of the transfer device (10). The self-propelled harvesting machine (1) has a connection unit (40) arranged on the transfer device (10) with several connections (43) for connecting connecting lines (23, 25, 27, 29) of the support system to the supply lines (44).