Grain Tank Positioning for Combine Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grain harvesters require complex and lengthy clean grain conveying systems, which affect the machine's stability and efficiency due to the elevated center of gravity and increased length of the reprocess tailings elevator.
Innovation Solution
The design positions the sieves, cleaning fan, and grain tank beneath the threshing system, reducing the need for extensive conveying and shortening the tailings elevator, thereby lowering the center of gravity and enhancing stability and efficiency by allowing the grain tank to be filled closer to the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the grain tank is positioned at the top of the machine for storage, then the grain capacity is sufficient, but the center of gravity is elevated reducing machine stability
Solution Approach 1:
The grain tank is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (top of machine) to a horizontal arrangement (behind driver's station, extending toward rear). This dimensional change allows sufficient grain capacity while maintaining a low center of gravity for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the grain tank at the top as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning it at the bottom/rear section of the machine, fundamentally changing the spatial relationship between the grain storage and the machine's center of gravity.
2Ease of operation
If extensive conveying systems are used to transport grain throughout the machine, then grain handling is complete, but the machine length increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary portion of the conveying system. By positioning the grain tank directly beneath the threshing system, the long reprocess tailings elevator is removed, keeping only the essential conveying components needed for complete grain handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The grain flow path is reorganized from a horizontal conveyance through the machine to a vertical drop from the threshing system directly into the grain tank below, eliminating the need for lengthy horizontal conveying systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the cleaning fan runs at high RPM to throw chaff far back, then chaff removal is effective, but energy consumption increases and grain may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The chaff discharge direction is changed from horizontal (throwing chaff far back) to downward (directing chaff into the grain tank). This vertical arrangement allows effective chaff removal at lower fan speeds, reducing energy consumption and preventing grain loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The grain tank serves as an intermediary receptacle that collects both grain and chaff. The deflector plate then separates chaff from grain within the tank, allowing the cleaning fan to operate at lower speeds while maintaining effective chaff removal.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the deflector plate is positioned to direct chaff backward, then chaff exits the machine, but chaff may enter the grain tank
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector plate is strategically positioned and angled to create localized chaff diversion. It directs chaff along a specific trajectory that exits the machine rearward while preventing chaff from entering the grain tank opening, achieving both chaff removal and grain protection.
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 configuration reduces the length of the reprocess tailings elevator, enhances stability by lowering the center of gravity, and minimizes grain loss through efficient grain handling and distribution, while providing easy access to the engine compartment without additional access ladders.
Implementation Method 1
air from the cleaning fan 3 blows air upward and towards the back of the machine further removing chaff from the grain
Implementation Method 2
the downward slope of the deflector plate 5 directs the chaff from entering the grain tank 4
Data Source
AI summary
An improved self-propelled grain harvester and threshing machine characterized by the sieves, cleaning fan and grain tank being beneath the grain harvester's threshing system which puts the center of gravity in the bottom of the machine and eliminates the need for conveying the grain throughout the machine for cleaning and to the top of the machine for storage. This configuration eliminates several clean grain conveying systems and reduces the length of the reprocess tailings elevator giving the machine a safe low profile and center of gravity when the machine is empty and the center of gravity lowers as the grain tank fills.