Oscillating Sieve Drive for Combine Harvester
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters with oscillatingly driven sieves have limited control over oscillation frequency and direction due to direct mechanical coupling with the internal combustion engine, restricting adaptability and efficiency in crop processing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electric motor with adjustable frequency and a control unit to independently control the oscillation frequency, amplitude, and direction of the conveying device, allowing for flexible operation independent of the internal combustion engine speed, and enabling coordinated vibration minimization across multiple conveying devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is directly connected to the combustion engine, then the mechanical coupling is simple and reliable, but the oscillation frequency is fixed to the engine's rotational speed, making control impossible or extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical coupling between the combustion engine and the oscillating shaft with an electrical control system. Electric motors with adjustable frequency drives are used to drive the oscillating shaft, allowing independent control of oscillation frequency from the engine speed. This substitution enables precise control of the oscillation frequency while maintaining mechanical simplicity in the oscillation mechanism itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the oscillation frequency is fixed to the engine's rotational speed, then the drive mechanism is simple, but the throwing distance and height cannot be adjusted, resulting in a virtually unchanging operating point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using variable frequency drives on the electric motors that drive the oscillating shaft. By independently adjusting the frequency and amplitude parameters of the oscillation, the system can achieve different throwing distances and heights while the engine operates at optimal speeds for power generation. This allows multiple operating points to be achieved without changing the engine speed.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple conveying devices are operated independently with direct engine coupling, then each device can be driven, but coordinated vibration minimization across devices is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect vibrations from multiple conveying devices and feeding this information to a central control system. The control system processes the vibration signals and adjusts the operating parameters of each electric motor-driven conveying device to minimize overall vibrations. This coordinated control reduces harmful vibrations while maintaining independent operation of each device.
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 solution allows for improved control and adaptability of the conveying device, maintaining a constant operating point during speed changes and enabling precise adjustment of throw distance, height, and frequency, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of crop processing.
Implementation Method 1
The drive means is designed as at least one electric motor with adjustable variable frequency, wherein the frame is rotatably arranged about an axis on a rotor of the at least one electric motor, the rotor performing an oscillating linear movement
Implementation Method 2
The AC voltage source is preferably designed as a multi-phase generator. Preferably, the electric motor is connected to one phase of the generator or between two phases of the generator. The oscillation frequency depends, among other things, on the frequency at which the alternating current is inverted.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a combine harvester (1) with at least one oscillatingly driven conveying device (19) comprising a frame (20) in which at least one substantially planar conveying plane (21) is arranged, wherein the frame (20) is suspended on the machine frame (17) of the combine harvester (1) and is oscillatingly driven by at least one drive means (18), wherein the drive means (18) is designed as at least one electric motor (28) with adjustable variable frequency, wherein the frame (20) is rotatably arranged on a rotor (25) of the at least one electric motor (28) about an axis (26), wherein the rotor (25) performs an oscillating linear movement, and a control unit (29) is provided for controlling the at least one electric motor (28).