Grain Elevator Chain Guide With Low-Friction Wall Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The rubbing contact between the metal chain and the metal center dividing wall of the grain elevator in combine harvesters can cause damage during operation due to increased vertical displacement when loaded with grain.

Innovation Solution

A chain guide support structure with a low friction surface is provided to prevent damage by allowing the chain to ride along smoothly, featuring an elongated body with a rib and mating surface for engagement with the grain elevator wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the chain has more vertical displacement when loaded with grain, then the grain can be delivered more effectively to the storage tank, but the chain contacts the center dividing wall causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain delivery effectivenessVSAvoidchain and wall durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A chain guide component is introduced as an intermediary element between the chain and the center dividing wall. The chain guide includes a low friction surface that the chain rides along, preventing direct contact between the chain and the metal center dividing wall. This mediator allows the chain to achieve necessary vertical displacement for effective grain delivery while preventing damage to both the chain and wall through reduced friction and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a low friction surface is provided for the chain, then damage to the chain and wall is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain and wall durabilityVSAvoidelevator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the entire elevator structure, the low friction surface is applied locally only where the chain contacts the center dividing wall. The chain guide component is positioned specifically at the contact point between the chain and the wall, providing friction reduction only where needed. This localized approach maintains the overall simplicity of the elevator structure while solving the specific wear problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Prevents damage to the chain and center dividing wall by reducing friction and ensuring smooth operation of the grain elevator.

Implementation Method 1

a chain guide for a wall of a grain elevator of an agricultural vehicle... configured to engage with a chain of the grain elevator... provides a low friction surface for the chain to ride along

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12575500B2Chain guide for grain elevator of combine harvester

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 CNH IND BELGIUM NV

AI summary

A chain guide for a wall of a grain elevator of an agricultural vehicle. The chain guide includes an elongated body. A rib extends from a surface of the elongated body, the rib being configured to engage with a chain of the grain elevator. A mating surface is either formed on or in the body, and the mating surface is configured to be connected to the wall of the grain elevator.