Unitary Polymeric Fan Housing for Combine Harvesters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvester fan housing assemblies are complex and costly to manufacture, making assembly challenging and increasing production expenses.
Innovation Solution
A fan housing assembly formed as a single unitary body out of polymeric material with a spiral duct and discharge duct, featuring an inlet ring that can be releasably mounted to facilitate easier assembly and improve air flow efficiency by reducing the size of the inlet opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex housing assembly is used for the fan, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple housing components (housing body, inlet ring, and support structures) into a single unitary polymeric housing assembly formed by blow molding. This integration maintains structural strength while eliminating the need for separate parts and complex assembly operations, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and assembly complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a unitary polymeric housing is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and assembly is simplified, but the manufacturing precision and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs blow molding parameters and polymeric material selection to achieve the desired structural precision and integrity in a unitary housing. By optimizing manufacturing parameters such as mold design, blowing pressure, and material properties, the process produces a structurally sound housing that maintains precision without requiring complex multi-part assemblies.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the inlet opening is reduced in size, then the air flow efficiency is improved, but the fan blade clearance and airflow distribution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a radially inwardly extending inlet ring structure that selectively modifies the inlet opening geometry. This localized feature redirects air flow efficiently while maintaining appropriate clearance for fan blades and ensuring proper airflow distribution across the fan face, thus achieving both improved efficiency and operational effectiveness.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A combine harvester fan housing assembly may include a fan enclosure formed as a single unitary body out of a polymeric material. The fan enclosure may include a spiral duct spiraling about an axis, a first axial inlet opening sized to axially receive a fan therethrough and a second axial inlet opening and a discharge duct extending from the spiral duct. The combine harvester fan housing assembly may further include an inlet ring releasably mounted to the fan enclosure about the first axial opening, the Inlet ring projecting into the first axial opening by an extent so as to extend radially inward of blade ends of the fan.