Recirculating Conveyor for Root-Crop Harvester Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern potato harvesters face challenges in temporarily storing root crops without unloading them, leading to uneven weight distribution, reduced digging performance, and obstructed operator views due to large storage bins, especially when trucks are not available or get stuck in muddy areas.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a selectable recirculating configuration allows tubers to be temporarily stored on the harvester by diverting them back to an earlier position within the conveyor system, maintaining continuous digging operations without simultaneous truck loading, and ensuring even weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If large storage bins are used to temporarily store tubers, then the harvester can continue digging without a truck, but the weight distribution becomes uneven and digging performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the storage function into two separate components: a small storage bin for minimal tuber retention and a recirculating conveyor system for temporary storage. This segmentation allows the harvester to maintain digging performance while providing temporary storage capacity, as the recirculating conveyor does not add significant weight to the digging mechanism area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from storing tubers in a static vertical bin to a dynamic recirculating conveyor system that moves tubers through a loop. This dimensional change from vertical storage to circular recirculation allows temporary storage without creating uneven weight distribution that would affect digging performance.
2Loss of time
If large storage bins are used to temporarily store tubers, then the harvester can continue digging without a truck, but the operator's view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the storage function from the operator's field of view by using a recirculating conveyor system that operates in a dedicated area away from the operator position. The small storage bin is positioned to minimize obstruction, while the recirculating conveyor provides the necessary temporary storage capacity without blocking the operator's view of the digging mechanism and terrain.
3Productivity
If the conveyor system transports tubers to an outlet for unloading, then tubers can be loaded onto trucks, but the harvester must stop when trucks are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the conveyor system dynamically configurable with two selectable operating configurations: a loading configuration that transports tubers to an outlet for truck loading, and a recirculating configuration that temporarily stores tubers when trucks are unavailable. This dynamic adaptability allows the harvester to maintain continuous operation regardless of truck availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can load tubers onto trucks when available, temporarily store tubers when trucks are unavailable, and maintain continuous digging operation. This multi-functionality increases operational flexibility and eliminates the need to stop the harvester during truck exchanges or delays.
4Quantity of substance
If the conveyor system is halted to store potatoes in a bin, then potatoes can be temporarily stored, but the digging operation must also stop
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous digging operation by using a recirculating conveyor system that can temporarily store tubers without halting the digging mechanism. The recirculating conveyor continuously moves tubers through a loop, providing temporary storage capacity while maintaining the continuous flow of the digging and separation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A root-crop harvester is configured to temporarily store tubers by recirculating tubers on the conveyor system of the harvester. The conveyor system has selectable first and second operating configurations. In the first operating configuration the conveyor system transports tubers from the digger bed to an outlet where tubers are unloaded from the harvester (e.g., onto a truck). In the second operating configuration the conveyor system transports tubers along the conveyor system for a period of time and then diverts tubers to an earlier position within the conveyor system, thereby recirculating tubers on the harvester. After a period of time, the harvester operator selects the first operating configuration and the recirculating tubers along with newly dug tubers are unloaded from the harvester.