Harvester Tank Expansion Access Flap for Upright Tank Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters with rigid-walled harvested material tanks and pivotable plate-shaped elements present difficulties for users to enter and exit comfortably due to small access flaps and lack of suitable support structures, making it uncomfortable and difficult to climb through.
Innovation Solution
A harvested material tank with a tank expansion comprising movable elements and an access flap that opens into the tank, allowing upright entry and exit, supported by the harvester's top side, and reinforced profiles to withstand pressure and maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small access flap is provided in the sidewall for user entry, then the tank structure remains compact and simple, but user comfort and ease of entry deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tank structure is segmented into a fixed bottom part and a movable tank expansion with multiple independently pivotable plate-shaped elements. The access flap is integrated into one of these movable elements, allowing it to be positioned optimally for user access without compromising the overall compact structure when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The access flap is repositioned from a vertical sidewall location to a horizontal top surface location of the tank expansion. This dimensional change allows users to enter the tank in an upright position rather than crawling through a small vertical opening, significantly improving entry comfort while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the access flap opens outward from the tank, then user access is simplified, but accidental discharge of harvested material contents becomes a risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the access flap opening outward from the tank, it is designed to open inward into the tank interior. This inversion ensures that when the flap is opened, the harvested material contents remain contained within the tank boundaries, eliminating the risk of accidental discharge while still providing easy user access.
Solution Approach 2:
The access flap design preemptively prevents the harmful effect of material discharge by opening in the opposite direction (inward rather than outward). This preliminary anti-action ensures that even if the tank is full, opening the flap cannot cause contents to spill outside, as the flap creates an additional barrier inward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plate-shaped elements are made pivotable for tank expansion, then tank capacity and accessibility are improved, but structural stability under load may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-shaped elements are designed as movable and pivotable rather than fixed, allowing the tank expansion to dynamically adjust its configuration. The elements can pivot between a closed position (providing maximum stability and capacity) and an open position (providing access for servicing), combining adaptability with structural integrity through controlled movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A harvested material tank of a harvester is disclosed. The harvested material tank comprises a tank expansion formed from a plurality of movable elements. At least one of the plurality of movable elements includes at least one access flap that, when in an open position, offers access for a user to the interior of the harvested material tank.