Combine Harvester Chopping Device Distribution Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combine harvesters face challenges in optimizing the distribution quality of non-grain components, such as straw, which affects rotting and nutrient availability in the soil, due to complex and energy-intensive systems that require additional devices to regulate distribution based on wind, crop edge position, and temperature distribution.

Innovation Solution

The combine harvester adjusts the chopping device's counter-knives and friction strip arrangement based on real-time sensor data to optimize distribution quality, balancing energy consumption and chop quality through adjustable prioritization parameters, ensuring the straw is chopped only as far as necessary for efficient decomposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex additional devices are used to regulate distribution based on wind, crop edge position, and temperature distribution, then distribution quality is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of distribution quality regulation by removing complex additional devices and retaining only the necessary chopping device with adjustable counter-knives and friction strip arrangement. This simplifies the overall system while maintaining the core capability to optimize distribution quality through parameter adjustment rather than complex hardware additions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The chopping device is designed to perform multiple functions: it chops the crop material, regulates distribution quality, and adapts to varying crop conditions. By making the chopping device multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate complex regulation systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining distribution quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex additional devices are used to regulate distribution based on wind, crop edge position, and temperature distribution, then distribution quality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by adjusting the chopping intensity and distribution regulation only to the extent necessary for achieving adequate distribution quality. The counter-knives and friction strip arrangement are regulated based on actual crop conditions rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining distribution quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If the straw is chopped more extensively to improve distribution quality, then distribution quality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The chopping device features dynamic regulation through adjustable counter-knives and friction strip arrangement that can be adapted in real-time based on crop conditions and distribution quality requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize chopping intensity rather than operating at fixed high intensity, thereby improving distribution quality while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the chopping device, specifically the position of counter-knives and friction strip arrangement, to optimize chopping effectiveness. By adjusting these parameters rather than increasing chopping intensity uniformly, the system achieves improved distribution quality with reduced energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3395158B1Combine harvester
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP3395158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3395158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3395158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a combine harvester with a chopping device (16) configured for chopping crop (5), which has a knife drum (25) fitted with chopping knives (26), a knife carrier (27) fitted with counter knives (28) and a reed strip arrangement (31), wherein the counter knives (28) and/or the reed strip arrangement (31) can be brought at least partially into a partial flow (11) passing through the chopping device (16), and with a crop distribution device (37) configured for distributing the stream of chopped material (24) exiting the combine harvester (1) onto the ground (38) in the rear area of ​​the combine harvester (1), and with a sensor device (34) configured for generating sensor data that represents at least one parameter influencing the distribution quality of the stream of chopped material (24) exiting the combine harvester (1).It is proposed that the combine harvester (1) shall have a control device (36) and that the control device (36) shall adjust the position of the reible strip arrangement (31) and/or the counter blades (28) depending on the distribution quality.