Return Pan Control for Grain Distribution in Combine Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvesters face inefficiencies in achieving a uniform lateral distribution of grain during the threshing and cleaning process, particularly on uneven terrain, due to the lack of independent control over the return pan and cleaning system's side-shake movements and vanes, leading to suboptimal grain separation and processing.
Innovation Solution
A hillside compensation system that independently controls the return pan and cleaning sieve side-shake modules, adjusts vane orientations, and utilizes crop flow sensing to monitor and balance grain distribution, allowing for precise adjustments to ensure even grain distribution across the cleaning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the return pan and cleaning system are controlled together with a common side-shake mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and adaptability of grain distribution control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the grain distribution control into two independent segments: return pan control and cleaning system control. Each segment has its own hillside compensation control that can be adjusted separately based on local conditions, allowing precise control of grain distribution without requiring a complex unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by allowing different hillside compensation settings for the return pan and cleaning system. Each component can be optimized independently for its specific function and location, enabling precise adaptation to local terrain conditions and grain flow characteristics without compromising overall system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the return pan and cleaning system are controlled independently with separate hillside compensation, then the adaptability and precision of grain distribution control improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent return pan control and cleaning system control modules. Each module has its own hillside compensation capabilities, allowing flexible adaptation to different terrain conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable hillside compensation controls for both the return pan and cleaning system. These dynamic controls can be adjusted in real-time based on terrain conditions and grain flow characteristics, enhancing adaptability without requiring a completely complex control architecture.
3Productivity
If the grain distribution on the cleaning system is uneven, then the productivity is reduced, but the device complexity remains the same
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through grain distribution sensors that monitor the uniformity of grain distribution on the cleaning system. This feedback is used to automatically adjust the hillside compensation settings of both the return pan and cleaning system, ensuring uniform grain distribution and maximizing cleaning productivity without increasing device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the return pan shakes laterally to compensate for terrain inclination, then the adaptability to uneven terrain improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable hillside compensation mechanisms for the return pan. The lateral shake amplitude and frequency can be adjusted based on terrain conditions, providing adaptability to uneven terrain while maintaining manageable mechanical complexity through adjustable rather than fully automatic systems.
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
This approach enables a more responsive and accurate hillside compensation system, improving the efficiency of grain cleaning by allowing separate control of the return pan and cleaning system, resulting in a more even distribution and reduced grain losses, thereby enhancing the overall processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The crop flow sensing system comprises at least two pressure sensors for monitoring a pressure difference between at least two different lateral positions under a cleaning sieve of the cleaning system
Implementation Method 2
a stream of air is blown through the sieve for separating the lighter chaff from the heavier grain kernels
Implementation Method 3
A combination of gravity and this shaking motion makes the crop material return to a grain pan at the front end of the cleaning system
Implementation Method 4
During operation, the return pan shakes in the fore-to-aft direction
Data Source
AI summary
A combine harvester comprises a threshing system and a cleaning system. The cleaning system comprises a crop flow sensing system configured to monitor a lateral distribution of crop on the cleaning system. The threshing system comprises a return pan configured to guide the threshed and separated grain in a forward direction towards the cleaning system. The combine harvester further comprises a hillside compensation system, configured to control the cleaning system in order to adjust the lateral distribution of crop on the cleaning system. The hillside compensation system is further configured to control the return pan separately from the cleaning system and depending on the lateral distribution of crop on the cleaning system.