Modular Conveyor Device for Root Crop Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor devices for root crops in harvesting machines lack adaptability to different applications and operating conditions, leading to suboptimal conveying capacity and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor device featuring detachably fastened pocket modules with parallel pocket pull elements connected by metal or plastic wall elements, allowing for modular adjustment of receiving spaces to accommodate various root crops and operating conditions, with a fastening system that simplifies assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed conveyor devices are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different applications and operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into modular pocket modules that can be detachably attached and removed. Each module consists of pocket pull elements connected by wall elements, forming interchangeable units that allow the conveyor to be adapted to different applications by simply changing the modules, rather than redesigning the entire conveyor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor device transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one through the detachable fastening system. The pocket modules can be quickly attached and detached to change the conveyor's configuration and capacity based on different operating conditions and crop types.
2Productivity
If conventional fixed conveyor devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but conveying capacity optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is segmented into multiple detachable pocket modules, each capable of being independently adjusted or replaced. This segmentation allows the conveying capacity to be optimized for different root crop types and sizes by selecting appropriate module configurations, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying capacity can be adjusted by changing parameters such as the number of pocket modules, their spacing, and their dimensional characteristics. This allows optimization of conveying capacity for different operating conditions without fundamentally changing the device's basic structure.
3Ease of repair
If conventional fixed conveyor devices are used, then initial setup simplicity is maintained, but maintenance time and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The modular pocket module design allows maintenance personnel to access and replace only the specific module that requires maintenance, rather than disassembling the entire conveyor belt. This significantly reduces maintenance time and improves accessibility to internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable fastening system enables the easy extraction of individual pocket modules from the conveyor belt for maintenance or replacement. This extraction capability allows quick access to modules without disrupting the rest of the conveyor system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed conveyor devices are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility for different root crops deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented modular design allows different pocket module configurations to be attached based on the specific requirements for different root crops. Each module maintains structural stability through its internal framework of pocket pull elements and wall elements, while the overall system gains flexibility through the ability to reconfigure modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a conveyor device (2) for an upwardly directed, in particular vertical, conveying of beet (4) or other root crops in harvesting machines, comprising a conveyor belt (6) having at least two lateral conveyor belt portions (10), which are moved in a conveying direction (8) during operation and which define between them a conveyor belt surface (12), which in particular is flat, and at least one driver unit (14), which protrudes from the conveyor belt surface (12) on one side, is supported on the conveyor belt (6) and delimits a receiving space (16) which extends on both sides of the conveyor belt surface (12), the part of the receiving space (16) which is arranged on the side of the conveyor belt surface (12) opposite the driver unit (14) being formed by at least one releasably secured pocket module (18), and to harvesting machines for beet (4) or other root crops comprising a conveyor device (2).