Removable Cover Plate for Combine Harvester Concave Grate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combine harvesters face challenges in efficiently adjusting and modifying the threshing and separating action of concave and separator grate assemblies, which are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially during the harvest season, when dealing with various crop types, particularly hard-to-thresh grains.
Innovation Solution
A removable cover plate assembly that can be quickly attached and adjusted to the exterior of threshing concave grate assemblies to modify airflow characteristics, allowing for improved threshing and separation of grain from chaff, and enabling a single set of threshing concave grate assemblies to handle a wider variety of crops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional threshing concave grate assemblies are used without modifications, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the threshing capability is insufficient for hard-to-thresh grains and the versatility across different crop types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The concave grate assembly is segmented into modular components: fixed grates, removable cover plates, and interchangeable grate assemblies. This segmentation allows farmers to configure different combinations of components based on crop requirements without redesigning the entire system, thereby improving versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed grate structure to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Cover plates can be added or removed, and grate assemblies can be interchanged during harvest season, enabling the system to adapt to different crop types and threshing requirements without requiring complete system replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different concave grate assemblies are used to handle various crop types, then the versatility improves, but the time required for adjustment and modification during harvest season increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grate assemblies with different configurations are pre-prepared and stored on the combine. When a different crop type is encountered, the operator can quickly swap between pre-configured assemblies rather than modifying the existing structure during harvest, significantly reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate assembly serves multiple functions: it can be used with different grate configurations, adjusted for various crop types, and removed or repositioned as needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for entirely separate systems for different crops, reducing both time and complexity.
3Productivity
If the concave grates are modified to improve threshing capability for hard-to-thresh grains, then the threshing efficiency improves, but the ease of operation and quick adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plates are designed as simple, inexpensive, removable components that can be quickly added or removed based on threshing requirements. Their simplicity and low cost allow operators to frequently adjust the configuration without concern for complexity or expense, maintaining ease of operation while improving threshing efficiency when needed.
4Productivity
If cover plate assemblies are added to modify airflow characteristics and prolong material contact, then the threshing capability and grain capture improve, but the device complexity and initial manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Cover plates serve as intermediary components that modify airflow characteristics and prolong material-on-material contact without requiring fundamental changes to the threshing mechanism. These plates act as mediators between the existing grate structure and the crop material, improving threshing capability through airflow modification rather than mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a removable cover plate assembly, which may be quickly attached, detached and adjusted to the exterior of a concave grate of a combine harvester in order to adjust the flow characteristics of the concave or separator grate assemblies. The cover plate assembly improves the threshing capability of the rasp bar threshing cylinder while simultaneously capturing additional threshed grain. Moreover, the cover plate assembly of the present invention enables a single set of concave grate assemblies to better harvest a wider variety of crop types.