Pivotable Centrifugal Discs for Straw Spreading Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled combine harvesters face challenges in maintaining a constant straw distribution width, especially under cross winds, due to the inability to adjust the centrifugal discs effectively, leading to uneven straw distribution and potential soil yield reduction.
Innovation Solution
The centrifugal discs are designed to be adjustable by pivoting about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the combine harvester, allowing for different angles of attack and spreading widths, with mechanical or hydrostatic drive systems enabling tilting or pivoting, and actuating elements allowing for independent angular adjustments to counteract wind effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the centrifugal discs are fixed in position, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the straw distribution width cannot be adjusted under cross winds
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifugal discs are made pivotable about a longitudinal axis, transforming them from fixed static components to dynamically adjustable components. This allows the discs to change their angle of attack relative to the straw flow, enabling adjustment of the straw distribution width in response to cross winds and other field conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and fixed structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angular parameter of the centrifugal discs relative to the straw flow direction. By adjusting the pivot angle of the discs, the effective spreading width parameter is modified, allowing the same physical disc to achieve different distribution widths without changing the disc itself, thus providing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the centrifugal discs are made adjustable, then the straw distribution can be optimized for different conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single adjustable centrifugal disc assembly serves multiple functions: it distributes straw under normal conditions, adjusts to compensate for cross winds, and can be pivoted to different angles for various field conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through the pivot mechanism, allowing one component to replace what would otherwise require multiple fixed components for different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism introduces dynamic adjustability to the centrifugal disc system, enabling it to adapt to varying field conditions such as cross winds. The drive system transmits power to the pivoting disc, allowing operational adjustment without requiring multiple static configurations or manual repositioning, thus managing complexity through automated dynamic adjustment
3Productivity
If the straw is not evenly distributed, then the distribution process is simple, but the soil yield is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a control system that receives input about wind conditions and straw distribution patterns, then automatically adjusts the centrifugal disc angle to optimize distribution. This feedback loop ensures even straw distribution across the field, preventing soil yield reduction from uneven straw placement, while the automated control manages the complexity of the adjustment process
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 ensures a consistent straw distribution width, even under adverse conditions like cross winds, by allowing the centrifugal discs to change their angle of attack, thereby maintaining effective coverage of the harvested area without reducing the spreading width.
Implementation Method 1
the scattering device consists of at least two centrifugal discs acting as throwing fans, which in a working position are each driven in opposite directions and have radially extending drivers on their end faces loaded with straw
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-propelled combine harvester has a spreading device (6) located at its rear, which is supplied with straw from a residual grain separation unit for distributing the straw. The spreading device (6) consists of two centrifugal discs (24 and 25) acting as blowers, each driven in opposite directions by drive elements (52, 53) and having radially extending carriers (30 and 33) on their straw-bearing end faces. The spreading effect or the spreading width is to be adjustable, for which purpose the centrifugal discs (24 and 25) can each be pivoted from a substantially horizontal position about an axis (37, 38) extending longitudinally in the combine harvester.