Harvester Crop Container With Sliding Brackets for Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crop receiving containers in combine harvesters suffer from damage and vibration issues due to the design of extension elements with curved front edges, which can bend and vibrate on uneven ground, and lack accessibility for maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A crop receiving container with pivotally connected extension elements featuring sliding brackets and a lifting mechanism, where the pivoting movement is transmitted via sliding brackets, allowing for cost-effective operation and preventing swinging, with features like sliding arms, locking mechanisms, and a gas spring for smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If extension elements are connected via curved front edges, then the structure is simple, but the extension elements vibrate and transmit shocks on uneven ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sliding brackets as intermediary components that connect the first and second extension elements. These brackets slide within guides on the extension elements, providing a controlled connection mechanism that prevents direct contact between the extension element fronts and eliminates vibration transmission while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If a motor is used to drive extension elements from transport to receiving position, then the receiving volume is increased, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiving volumeVSAvoidlifting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a lifting mechanism that utilizes the weight of the extension elements themselves and the force of gravity to achieve movement between positions. The mechanism uses guides and sliding brackets to enable controlled pivoting without requiring external motors, making the system self-sufficient and reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The extension elements are designed to dynamically pivot between transport and receiving positions using a lifting mechanism with guides and sliding brackets. This dynamic design allows the elements to move freely under controlled conditions, adapting to different operational states without requiring complex motorized actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If sliding brackets are used to transmit pivoting movement, then the lifting mechanism cost is reduced, but the extension elements may swing relative to each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting mechanism costVSAvoidextension element stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding brackets serve as intermediary components that connect the first and second extension elements through guided movement. The brackets slide within guides on the extension elements, providing a controlled connection that transmits pivoting movement while preventing unwanted swinging, thus maintaining stability without increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If extension elements rest on each other's curved front edges, then the structure is compact, but shocks are transmitted between elements on uneven ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidshock transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding brackets act as intermediaries between the first and second extension elements, replacing direct contact on curved front edges. The brackets slide within guides, providing a controlled connection that isolates the extension elements from each other, preventing shock transmission while maintaining structural compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4445714B1Crop collecting container for a harvester
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP4445714B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4445714B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4445714B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a crop receiving container (3) for a harvesting machine (1), comprising an upwardly open collection container (12) with a substantially polygonal opening cross-section (5) and a first and second extension element (7, 8) arranged opposite each other, wherein the extension elements (7, 8) are each pivotally arranged about a substantially horizontal pivot axis (10) at the edge of an opening (9) of the collection container (12), wherein the extension elements (7, 8) can be moved from a closed transport position to an open receiving position (11), wherein at least two sliding brackets (13) are fixedly arranged on the first extension element (7), wherein the sliding brackets (13) are each guided in a holder (14) arranged on the second extension element (8).