Hydraulic Concave Suspension for Variable Crop Feed Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Harvesting machines face inefficiencies and component stress due to variable crop feed rates, leading to suboptimal performance, increased grain damage, and mechanical component wear, especially when operators cannot react quickly to changes in feed rate.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic suspension system for the concaves in the threshing section, allowing for adjustable positioning and pressure control to maintain optimal clearance between the concaves and rotor, using hydraulic cylinders, sensors, and a control system to manage varying crop densities and prevent overload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the harvester is set up for a specific crop with fixed threshing section settings, then the machine is optimized for a particular throughput, but performance deteriorates when operating at different throughput rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput optimizationVSAvoidadaptability to variable feed rates

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The concave support system transitions from a fixed mechanical linkage to a dynamic hydraulic suspension system that can automatically adjust concave position in real-time. The hydraulic cylinder allows the concave to move toward or away from the rotor based on feed rate variations, enabling the system to adapt to different throughput conditions without manual intervention or fixed settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of the concave dynamically by using hydraulic actuation. Instead of fixed mechanical positioning, the concave position is controlled by hydraulic pressure and cylinder extension, allowing continuous adjustment of the clearance between concave and rotor to match varying feed rates and maintain optimal threshing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the threshing section is designed to handle maximum loads, then component strength is sufficient for peak conditions, but unnecessary strain and wear occur during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent load capacityVSAvoidcomponent wear and strain

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic suspension system dynamically adjusts the concave position based on actual feed conditions, preventing the concave from being permanently positioned in a high-stress state. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to handle peak loads when necessary while reducing continuous strain during normal operation, thereby extending component life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic system acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses before they can cause damage to the concave and rotor assembly. By providing controlled movement and pressure regulation, the hydraulic system prevents extreme stress concentrations that would otherwise lead to component failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the concave is positioned close to the rotor for maximum threshing efficiency, then grain throughput is optimized, but mechanical stress on the concave support system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain throughput efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical stress on concave support

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic cylinder provides a controlled, flexible support mechanism for the concave that can accommodate varying mechanical stresses. The hydraulic system allows the concave to be positioned close to the rotor for efficient threshing while the hydraulic pressure and cylinder movement absorb and regulate the mechanical stress, preventing excessive forces from damaging the support system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 system maintains consistent pressure and optimal clearance, reducing grain loss, minimizing mechanical stress, and extending component life, while allowing for efficient operation across varying feed rates without operator intervention, thus enhancing throughput and reducing wear.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic concave support system that positions the concave proximate to the rotating member. The concave is movable in directions toward or away from the rotating member. The hydraulic concave support system includes at least one hydraulically driven element movable substantially parallel to the same directions.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8157629B2Concave suspension for a threshing section in a harvesting machine

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An agricultural harvesting machine including a frame and a threshing section supported by the frame. The threshing section includes a rotating member, a concave and a hydraulic concave support system that positions the concave proximate to the rotating member. The concave is movable in directions toward or away from the rotating member. The hydraulic concave support system includes at least one hydraulically driven element movable substantially parallel to the same directions.