Grain-moving arrangement for combine harvester
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural combines face inefficiencies in grain-cleaning operations, leading to challenges in moving large volumes of grain between different locations within the combine, which affects overall harvesting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A grain-moving arrangement that includes an elevator and a grain-moving device, both powered by rotational mechanisms, utilizing flexible members and transport members like paddles or baskets to move grain along specific paths, allowing grain to be efficiently transferred from one auger to another and ultimately to the grain tank, with the option of inclined surfaces for gravity-assisted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rate of grain-cleaning operations is improved, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the volume of grain that must be moved between locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second vertical dimension for grain transport by adding another elevator system. Instead of simply expanding horizontal transport capacity, the invention stacks elevator paths vertically, allowing grain from multiple cleaning shoes to be transported upward simultaneously through different vertical paths, thereby handling increased grain volumes without proportionally increasing horizontal space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The grain transport system is segmented into multiple independent elevator paths, each serving specific cleaning shoes. This segmentation allows parallel processing of grain from different sources, where each elevator path can operate independently to transport grain from its associated cleaning shoe to the grain tank, thereby managing large grain volumes through distributed parallel transport rather than a single overloaded path.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple augers and elevators are added to handle increased grain volume, then grain transport capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple elevator paths are merged into a single integrated grain tank entry system. The elevators converge at the top to deposit grain into the common grain tank, allowing independent transport paths to be combined at their destination. This merging approach maintains high transport capacity while reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple completely separate systems, as they share common infrastructure at the discharge end.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple cleaning shoes simultaneously. The same elevator mechanism and component types are used across different paths, allowing for standardized maintenance and operation. This multi-functionality approach enables the system to handle grain from multiple sources using replicated rather than unique components, thereby increasing capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grain is moved along a longer path within the combine, then all cleaning shoes can be served, but the time for grain transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the time-distance tradeoff by transitioning from horizontal to vertical grain transport. Instead of moving grain horizontally across the combine from distant cleaning shoes, vertical elevators lift grain upward in a more direct path. This dimensional change reduces transport time by eliminating long horizontal conveyance while still serving multiple cleaning shoes located at different horizontal positions, as vertical transport is faster and more direct than extended horizontal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The grain transport system is segmented into multiple short vertical paths, each serving specific cleaning shoes. Rather than one long horizontal transport path serving all cleaning shoes sequentially, each cleaning shoe has its own dedicated vertical elevator path to the grain tank. This segmentation allows simultaneous transport from multiple sources along parallel short paths, reducing total transport time compared to a single long path that would handle all grain sequentially.
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
Enhances the efficiency of grain transfer within the combine by enabling coordinated movement of grain between cleaning shoes and the grain tank, reducing the risk of jamming and improving overall harvesting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member seated on the upper and lower wheels to transmit power between the upper and lower wheels
Implementation Method 2
a flexible member seated on the upper and lower wheels to transmit power between the upper and lower wheels
Implementation Method 3
the elevator housing or the device housing may include an inclined surface extending, at least in part, between the device path and the second location on the elevator path, such that grain moving from the device path to the second location along the elevator path is moved by gravity, at least in part, along the inclined surface towards the elevator path
Data Source
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AI summary
A grain-moving arrangement is disclosed for agricultural combines. An elevator is configured to move grain in a first direction along an elevator path, within an elevator housing, and to receive grain from a first auger at a first location on the elevator path. A grain-moving device is configured to receive power from the elevator in order to move grain received from a second auger in a second direction along a device path, within a device housing, to an outlet of the device housing. Grain moved along the device path to the outlet of the device housing passes through the outlet of the device housing to a second location on the elevator path that is upstream of the first location on the elevator path, with respect to the first direction.