Grain Cleaning Side-Shake via Rubber Bushing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grain cleaning systems in combine harvesters face challenges with complex and costly solutions for accommodating side-shaking movements, such as spherical bearings which are expensive and prone to wear, or complex linkage systems that require more space and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a grain cleaning system that utilizes a support frame with a sieve assembly capable of fore-aft and lateral shaking movements, driven by actuating mechanisms with drive arms coupled to eccentric drives via rotary bearings. Rubber bushings are mounted between the rotary bearings and the drive arms or eccentric drives to allow for side-shaking movements without the need for complex bearings or linkages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spherical bearings are used to accommodate side-shaking movements, then the cleaning system can handle asymmetric crop distribution, but the cost increases and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle asymmetric crop distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of bearing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A rubber bushing is introduced as an intermediary element between the drive arm and the sieve assembly. This bushing allows the drive arm to undergo side-shaking movements relative to the sieve assembly, accommodating asymmetric crop distribution without requiring complex spherical bearings. The rubber material provides the necessary flexibility and damping while simplifying the overall bearing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and properties of the coupling system by using a flexible rubber bushing instead of rigid spherical bearings. This parameter change in material flexibility allows the system to accommodate side-shaking movements while reducing complexity, cost, and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If two linkages with a coupling are used to accommodate side-shaking movements, then the cleaning system can handle asymmetric crop distribution, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle asymmetric crop distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of linkage system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex two-linkage coupling system from the design. By removing this unnecessary complexity and retaining only the essential drive arm with a simple rubber bushing coupling, the system achieves the same adaptability with significantly reduced complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex mechanical linkage system to accommodate side-shaking movements, the invention inverts the approach by using a flexible rubber bushing that naturally accommodates the movements through its material properties, thereby simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If spherical bearings are used to accommodate side-shaking movements, then the cleaning system can handle asymmetric crop distribution, but the maintenance needs increase due to sealing difficulties in harsh environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle asymmetric crop distributionVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The rubber bushing is designed as a simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable component. Unlike spherical bearings that require complex sealing and maintenance, the bushing can be easily removed and replaced when worn, significantly reducing maintenance needs in the harsh combine environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber bushing serves as an intermediary that protects the internal bearing mechanisms from direct exposure to harsh environmental conditions, reducing wear and maintenance requirements while still allowing necessary movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a simple, compact, and cost-effective way to integrate side-shaking movements into the grain cleaning system, reducing maintenance needs and operational complexity while maintaining effective grain separation.

Implementation Method 1

a rubber bushing is mounted between the rotary bearing and the drive arm and/or between the rotary bearing and the eccentric drive, whereby the rubber bushing is configured to have the drive arm undergo a least partially the side-shaking movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the one or more drive arms are coupled to an eccentric drive of the first actuating mechanism with rotary bearings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4552474A1Grain cleaning system with side-shake

Publication Date: 2025.05.14 CNH IND BELGIUM NV

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The grain cleaning system comprises a support frame (20) and a sieve assembly mounted between two sidewalls (21a,21b) of the frame. The grain cleaning system is configured to undergo fore-aft shaking movements and side-shaking movements. A rubber bushing is mounted between the rotary bearing and the drive arm and/or between the rotary bearing and the eccentric drive, whereby the rubber bushing is configured to have the drive arm undergo a least partially the side-shaking movement.