Harvesting Head Upper Conveyor Crop Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural harvesting heads with endless belt conveyors have not been completely satisfactory in efficiently moving and compressing crop material from the ends to the central region and into the feederhouse, as previous adaptations such as fixed or retractable fingers on the feed roller have not effectively addressed the need for improved feed systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed agricultural harvesting head incorporates a frame with lateral side conveyors, a central conveyor, and an upper endless belt conveyor that compresses the crop material, along with diverter rollers to guide the material efficiently into the feederhouse, utilizing an endless belt system with vertical, downward, and rearward moving portions to ensure effective material engagement and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional feed rollers with fingers are used, then the structure is simple, but the efficiency of moving and compressing crop material is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The harvesting head is divided into multiple independent conveyor sections: left side conveyor, right side conveyor, center conveyor, and upper conveyor. Each conveyor is independently driven and performs a specific function in the material flow sequence, allowing optimized performance for each segment while maintaining overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper conveyor is positioned vertically above the center conveyor, creating a three-dimensional material flow path. This vertical arrangement allows the upper conveyor to compress the crop material downward onto the center conveyor, adding a compression function without requiring additional horizontal space or complex mechanical linkages.
2Productivity
If multiple conveyors are added to improve material flow, then the material conveyance efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper conveyor and center conveyor are merged into a coordinated system where the upper conveyor performs both transport and compression functions. The compression action of the upper conveyor integrates with the transport function of the center conveyor, creating a unified material handling system that improves efficiency without requiring completely separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper conveyor serves multiple functions: it transports crop material from the side conveyors to the center region, compresses the material onto the center conveyor, and guides material flow into the feederhouse. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, balancing productivity improvement with device complexity.
3Productivity
If crop material is not compressed, then the material flow is simple, but the quality of feed into feederhouse is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The upper conveyor utilizes its own motion and positioning to perform compression. As the upper conveyor moves forward and engages the crop material, its weight and mechanical pressure automatically compress the material onto the center conveyor. This self-compression mechanism eliminates the need for separate compression devices, achieving improved feed quality without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 ensures efficient lateral and rearward conveyance of cut crop material, compressing it into a thick, manageable mat that can be easily transmitted into the feederhouse, improving the overall harvesting efficiency and addressing previous system inadequacies.
Implementation Method 1
an upper conveyor of the endless belt type that is disposed above the center conveyor and disposed to receive, engage and downwardly compress an upper surface of the cut crop material conveyed rearwardly by the center conveyor
Implementation Method 2
The endless belt of the upper conveyor may have a generally vertical belt portion that is configured to engage an upper portion of a mat of the cut crop material and draw the mat downward
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural harvesting head (100) has a frame (102) that extends laterally and is elongate; a left side conveyor (106); a right side conveyor (110); a center conveyor (108, 144); and an upper conveyor (118) of an endless belt type that is disposed to receive, engage and downwardly compress an upper surface of the cut crop material conveyed rearwardly by the center conveyor (108, 144).