Rasp Bar Mounting with Channel Constraint for Combine Harvester

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rasp bars in combine harvesters are difficult to replace due to inaccessible retaining hardware, prone to damage, and require frequent replacement due to high wear rates, leading to inefficiencies and potential machine damage.

Innovation Solution

A support bracket system with a channel configuration that securely mounts rasp bars, allowing for easy installation and retention using a single fastener, preventing movement and rotation, thereby simplifying replacement and enhancing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rasp bars are mounted with retaining hardware on the rear surface, then the rasp bars can be securely attached to the support bracket, but the retaining hardware becomes inaccessible and difficult to reach with tools for replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidaccessibility of retaining hardware
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining hardware is inverted from the conventional rear-surface mounting to front-surface mounting on the rasp bar. This allows the bolt to be accessed from the front where tools can easily reach, while the nut remains secured on the rear surface. This inversion resolves the accessibility problem while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

A channel is introduced as an intermediary structure between the rasp bar and support bracket. The channel receives the rasp bar and limits its movement, providing additional constraint and stability. This intermediary element enhances the secure attachment while allowing the inverted retaining hardware configuration to function properly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional rasp bars are used without a channel structure, then the mounting structure is simpler, but the rasp bars are prone to movement and rotation causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structure simplicityVSAvoidstability of rasp bar mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The channel acts as an intermediary constraint structure that receives the rasp bar and limits its movement in multiple directions. This channel structure provides mechanical guidance and restriction, preventing unwanted rotation and displacement of the rasp bar during operation, thereby enhancing mounting stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel provides localized constraint at the interface between the rasp bar and support bracket. By concentrating the stabilizing function in this specific local region, the design achieves reliable mounting without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If rasp bars are mounted without movement limitation features, then the installation is easier, but the rasp bars experience excessive movement and wear leading to frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidthreshing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel serves as an intermediary that provides movement limitation during operation while maintaining ease of installation. The channel's geometry naturally guides the rasp bar into the correct position and restricts excessive movement, reducing wear and preventing damage without complicating the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining hardware is inverted to front-surface mounting, making it accessible for installation and replacement. This inversion, combined with the channel structure, allows for easy installation while providing robust movement limitation that prevents wear and maintains threshing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3815508B1Threshing components for combine harvester
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 CNH IND BELGIUM NV
  • EP3815508B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3815508B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3815508B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A threshing system for a combine harvester (110) includes a support bracket (204) that is configured to be attached to a threshing rotor cylinder (200) of the threshing system and a rasp bar (202) that is configured to be mounted to the support bracket (204). A channel (219) is formed in one of the rasp bar (202) and the support bracket (204) for receiving a surface (236) of the other of the rasp bar (202) and the support bracket (204), wherein engagement between the channel (219) and the surface (236) limits movement of the rasp bar (202) on the support bracket (204).