Hinged Tailings Conveyor for Combine Harvester Maintenance Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tailings return systems in combine harvesters hinder maintenance and repair access due to their rigid design, requiring time-consuming disconnection processes.
Innovation Solution
A two-part tailings conveyor system with a hinged design allows the upper part to fold back against the lower part, creating an open space for access to other components, utilizing abutment means like radially extending flanges and male/female fittings with biasing members for secure alignment and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid tailings conveyor is used, then the tailings return function is reliable, but maintenance access to other components is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The tailings conveyor is divided into two separate parts: a lower part that remains fixed and a upper part that can be folded. This segmentation allows the upper part to be moved out of the way for maintenance access while the lower part remains in place, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable tailings return function and enabling access to other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper part of the tailings conveyor is made dynamic through a folding mechanism with hinge connections, allowing it to be folded back against the lower part when maintenance is needed. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt between operational mode (conveyor extended) and maintenance mode (conveyor folded), providing easy access to other components without compromising the tailings return function.
2Ease of operation
If the tailings conveyor is disconnected for maintenance, then access to components is improved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism with hinge connections and abutment means allows the upper part to be quickly folded back against the lower part without requiring complete disconnection. This dynamic design enables rapid reconfiguration for maintenance access while minimizing the time needed compared to traditional disconnection methods, as the hinge-connected structure can be folded and secured quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper part of the conveyor is extracted or separated from the main structure through the folding mechanism, allowing it to be moved out of the way for maintenance access. This extraction is achieved through hinge connections that allow the upper part to be folded back, providing access to other components without requiring complete disconnection of the tailings return system.
3Ease of operation
If the upper part is folded back, then maintenance access is enabled, but the tailings return function is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the conveyor into two parts with the upper part being foldable, the system allows the lower part to remain in place and potentially continue partial tailings return function while the upper part is folded for maintenance. The segmentation enables selective access without complete system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic folding mechanism allows the upper part to be folded back only when maintenance is required, while remaining extended during normal operation. This dynamic capability ensures the tailings return function operates continuously during normal conditions and can be temporarily interrupted only when necessary for maintenance, minimizing operational disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailings return system for use in a combine harvester includes a tailings conveyor having an upper part and a lower part. The upper part is hingedly connected to the lower part, allowing the upper part to be folded back against the lower part to create an open space in the combine harvester, facilitating access to other components within the combine harvester.