Longitudinal Engine Drive for Harvesting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled agricultural harvesting machines with internal combustion engines arranged in a transverse direction face limitations in maximum power output due to restricted engine length, leading to inefficient drive arrangements and increased construction costs.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement with two internal combustion engines aligned in the longitudinal direction, featuring a connecting gearbox with two angle gearboxes that drive a transverse shaft and belt pulley, allowing for efficient power distribution to larger consumers with minimal gear meshes and optional single-engine operation for reduced power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If internal combustion engines are arranged in the transverse direction, then the machine width is optimized, but the maximum power output is limited due to restricted engine length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from transverse engine arrangement (width-oriented) to longitudinal engine arrangement (length-oriented), changing the spatial dimension in which engines are positioned. This allows the engines to extend in the forward operating direction, increasing the available length for engine placement and enabling higher power output while maintaining optimized width through the longitudinal configuration
2Power
If a single high-powered engine is used, then power output is maximized, but manufacturing costs increase and efficiency decreases during partial load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power generation function into multiple separate internal combustion engines instead of using a single high-powered engine. This segmentation allows for more economical manufacturing since smaller engines can be produced more efficiently, and it enables operational flexibility where engines can be started or stopped based on actual power requirements, improving overall system efficiency
3Power
If engines are arranged in the longitudinal direction with conventional drive arrangements, then power output is increased, but drive complexity increases due to additional angular gearboxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the drive arrangement so that the same longitudinal engine configuration and connecting gearbox serve multiple functions: they enable power transmission for high power output operations, allows for simplified single-engine operation when power requirements are lower, and provide a versatile platform that adapts to different operational scenarios without requiring additional complex components
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 simplifies and enhances the drive arrangement, achieving increased efficiency and reduced construction costs by allowing a straightforward transverse belt drive and enabling operation with one engine during lower power needs, while maintaining balanced wear across both engines.
Implementation Method 1
A connecting gearbox is arranged ahead of the internal combustion engines in the forward operating direction and consists of two angle gearboxes, for example, bevel gear gearboxes
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled harvesting machine is provided that has operating devices to take-up and/or process harvested crop, which can be driven by means of a drive belt, that can be driven by a belt pulley about an axis of rotation extending horizontally and transverse to the forward operating direction of the harvesting machine. Two internal combustion engines are provided on the harvesting machine and each are supported on the frame arranged side by side alongside each other relative to the forward operating direction, with crankshafts extending in the forward operating direction. A connecting gearbox is arranged ahead of the internal combustion engines in the forward direction of operation and is connected or can be connected so as to drive with the first crankshaft, the second crankshaft and the belt pulley. The connecting gearbox includes two angle gearboxes that are connected to a transverse shaft arranged in the transverse direction that is connected or may be connected, in turn, with the belt pulley.