Loss Test Tray With Transverse Grooves For Grain Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loss test pans for determining threshing losses in harvesting machines require complex and difficult separation processes for straw, chaff, and grain, making the determination of threshing losses cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A loss test tray with transverse grooves on its upper side and a lateral collector, where the grooves are designed to collect grains and simplify separation by allowing grains to settle at the bottom and be easily collected, along with a rotatable tube collector and a vibration motor to aid in separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a loss test pan is used to collect lost grains, straw and chaff, then the determination of threshing loss can be performed, but the separation process for chaff, straw and grain becomes very complex and difficult to carry out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshing loss determinationVSAvoidseparation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loss test pan is divided into functionally distinct zones: transverse grooves for grain collection, a collector for separated grains, and open areas for straw and chaff. This segmentation allows automatic separation of grain from straw/chaff through the groove structure during normal operation, eliminating complex manual separation processes while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grain separation function is extracted from the general collection function and implemented through dedicated transverse grooves that passively separate grains from straw and chaff. The collector is specifically designed to receive only separated grains, extracting the measurement function from the complex mixture handling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If transverse grooves are aligned transversely to the direction of travel of the harvester, then lost grains are retained better, but the alignment requirement adds operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrain retentionVSAvoidpanel placement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse grooves are designed to automatically align with the harvester's direction of travel through their orientation relative to the harvester's movement. The grooves self-adjust to the operational context, requiring no manual alignment or operational complexity from the user while ensuring reliable grain retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a rotatable tube collector is used to receive lost grains, then the collection process is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrain collectionVSAvoidcollector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tube collector is designed to rotate dynamically to different positions, allowing it to receive grains from multiple directions and orientations. This dynamic capability simplifies the collection process by adapting to various grain flow directions without requiring complex fixed-structure mechanisms, achieving operational simplicity through controlled movement rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables a simplified and efficient separation of straw, chaff, and grain, allowing for accurate determination of threshing losses without the need for complex separation processes, thereby optimizing operating parameters of harvesting machines.

Implementation Method 1

The loss test tray (1) has a vibration motor (5) for vibrating the loss test tray (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

when the loss test pan is shaken and the collected material is wind sifted, the grains settle at the bottom of the transverse grooves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational settling: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

when the loss test pan is shaken and the collected material is wind sifted, the grains settle at the bottom of the transverse grooves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind sifting: Wind

Data Source

PatentEP4115724B1Loss test panel for determining the threshing loss of harvesters
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 PIONTEK AXEL-MICHAEL
  • EP4115724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4115724B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4115724B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a loss test tray (1) for determining the threshing loss of harvesting machines, which is designed to be placed on the ground and to be at least partially driven over by a combine harvester during threshing and serves to collect the lost grains as well as straw and chaff, wherein the loss test tray (1) has transverse grooves (2) on its upper side and a collector (3) arranged laterally on the loss test tray (1) at one end of the transverse grooves (2).