Guide Element Tip Positioning for Combine Residue Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural combines face issues with blockages at the tip of guide elements dividing the harvested material stream between distribution blowers, leading to inefficient distribution of residues, especially in damp conditions.
Innovation Solution
A harvested material residue chopping and distributing arrangement with a straw chopper and two distribution blowers, where the distribution blowers rotate in opposite directions and a guide element with a forward tip is positioned to face the straw chopper, preventing residue collection and improving distribution by acting as a counter blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the guide element tip is positioned at a large distance from the chopping blades, then the distribution blowers can be arranged laterally for wide discharge, but harvested material residue collects on the front side of the tip causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element tip is positioned within the chopping action zone so that chopping blades actively remove harvested material residue from the tip surface before residue accumulation can occur. This preliminary chopping action prevents blockages while maintaining the tip's functional position for material guidance and distribution.
2Reliability
If the guide element tip is positioned close to the chopping blades, then blockages are prevented, but the distribution of harvested material streams to the distribution blowers is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is designed with differentiated zones: the tip region is positioned within chopping action to prevent blockages, while the main body extends forward to effectively guide and divide the harvested material stream between the two distribution blowers. Each zone performs its specific function optimally.
3Reliability
If the guide element tip is positioned within the chopping action zone, then residue collection at the tip is prevented, but the tip may be subjected to higher wear
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element tip is designed as a wear-prone component that is periodically replaced. The positioning within the chopping zone, while causing wear, effectively prevents blockages and maintains operational reliability, justifying the replacement cycle.
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 arrangement reduces blockages and ensures effective distribution of harvested material streams across the field by actively feeding the residue stream between the distribution blowers, enhancing the distribution process.
Implementation Method 1
two distribution blowers arranged downstream of the straw chopper with respect to the direction of material flow... the distribution blowers rotate in the opposite sense
Implementation Method 2
the guide element may have a forward tip that faces the straw chopper and that is positioned relative to the enveloping circle of the chopping blades such that the chopping blades remove harvested material residue from the tip
Data Source
AI summary
A harvested material residue chopping and distributing arrangement for a combine (10) is provided having a straw chopper (60) and two distribution blowers (100) between which a guide element (150) is arranged for distributing the harvested material residue flow between the two distribution blowers (100). The tip (156) of the guide element (150) is positioned on the circumferential circle of the straw chopping blades (96) such that the blades (96) remove harvested material residue from the tip (156) during operation.