Pivoting Deflector for Selective Tailings Bypass in Combine Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain harvesting combines face challenges in selectively re-threshing tailings without damaging sensitive crops, as prior methods are inadequate in preventing grain damage during the re-threshing process.
Innovation Solution
A re-threshing system with a delivery mechanism that can transport tailings to a re-threshing apparatus and a bypass mechanism, allowing for the option to bypass the re-threshing apparatus using a deflector that pivots between standby and deployed positions to redirect tailings either into the re-threshing housing or a bypass passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tailings are returned to the rotor for re-threshing, then grain separation is improved, but grain damage increases in sensitive crops
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is made movable, allowing it to pivot between a first position that directs tailings to the re-threshing rotor and a second position that directs tailings through a bypass passage. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt its behavior based on crop sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between achieving thorough grain separation and preventing grain damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path parameter of the tailings by adjusting the deflector position. When the deflector is in the first position, tailings follow the re-threshing path for maximum separation. When in the second position, tailings bypass the rotor to avoid damage. This parameter change allows optimization of the separation process based on crop conditions.
2Productivity
If a re-threshing rotor is used to re-thresh tailings, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but crop sensitivity is not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The movable deflector provides dynamic adaptability to crop sensitivity. The operator can adjust the deflector position based on the specific crop being harvested, allowing the system to maintain high cleaning efficiency while adapting to the sensitivity requirements of different crops like corn versus wheat.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of tailings flow direction based on crop type. By adjusting the deflector position, the system can switch between aggressive re-threshing mode for less sensitive crops and gentle bypass mode for sensitive crops, thus achieving both high cleaning efficiency and crop sensitivity adaptation.
3Manufacturing precision
If tailings are directed into the re-threshing housing, then re-threshing action is maximized, but grain loss increases in sensitive crops
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector's movable design allows the system to dynamically adjust the tailings flow path. When maximum re-threshing action is needed, the deflector directs tailings into the housing. When grain loss prevention is prioritized for sensitive crops, the deflector redirects tailings through the bypass passage, thus resolving the contradiction between re-threshing effectiveness and grain loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass passage acts as an intermediary path that alternatives the direct re-threshing route. By providing this intermediate bypass option, the system can reduce grain loss in sensitive crops while still maintaining the capability for effective re-threshing when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between re-threshing action and grain loss prevention.
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
Enables selective re-threshing of tailings, reducing grain damage in sensitive crops like corn by allowing the option to bypass aggressive re-threshing, thereby improving crop handling and reducing grain loss.
Implementation Method 1
a delivery mechanism for transporting tailings from the cleaning section of the combine to a re-threshing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a deflector that pivots between standby and deployed positions to redirect tailings either into the re-threshing housing or a bypass passage
Implementation Method 3
a re-threshing rotor which receives the tailings from the sieve section. The re-threshing rotor extends completely across an end of the sieve section for rotating about an axis which extends in parallel to the end of the sieve section
Implementation Method 4
The re-threshing rotor includes rasp bars which extend along the end of the sieve section for receiving the tailings and pressing the tailings against a re-threshing pan
Implementation Method 5
Blowers are provided for removing loose chaff from the tailings in the re-threshing section
Data Source
AI summary
A re-threshing system for a combine includes a delivery mechanism for transporting tailings from the cleaning section of the combine to a re-threshing apparatus and a bypass that can be used to bypass the tailings around the re-threshing apparatus. The re-threshing apparatus includes a re-threshing housing that at least partially surrounds a re-threshing rotor. The rotor and housing have cooperating threshing elements that act to re-thresh the tailings delivered into the housing and deliver the re-threshed tailings out of a housing outlet into a discharge passage to be directed to the cleaning section of the combine harvester. The delivery mechanism is configured to throw or fling the tailings into an inlet opening of the housing in a direction substantially tangential to the rotor rotating direction. To bypass the re-threshing apparatus, a deflector can be deployed to block the inlet opening and deflect the tailings into a bypass passage that is open to the discharge passage.