Reversible Conveyor Drum for Combine Straw Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural combines face limitations in straw throughput due to friction on rigid guide elements and require additional components for chaff distribution, especially with increased capacity and longer cleaning arrangements, complicating the conveying of straw between the separating arrangement and the straw chopper.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor drum that can be driven in two directions of rotation, reversing its direction to seamlessly switch between swath deposit and chopper operations, actively conveying straw without jamming and allowing chaff and small straw particles to be conveyed directly to the straw chopper, with a pivoted flap to prevent ejection in chopper mode and an ejection drum to accelerate straw for efficient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid pivoted guide element is used to conduct straw, then the straw can be directed to either the straw chopper or ground deposit, but the throughput is limited by friction on the guide elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the rigid guide element that caused friction and throughput limitations. Instead of using a guide element to direct straw, the system extracts this component and replaces it with a pivoted conveyor that actively transports straw, eliminating the friction problem while maintaining directional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the passive mechanical guide element system with an active driven conveyor system. The pivoted conveyor with driven belt actively transports straw rather than relying on gravity and friction-based guidance, significantly improving throughput while maintaining the ability to direct straw to different destinations.
2Productivity
If the straw chopper is arranged further to the rear due to increased combine capacity, then more crop can be processed, but the conveying of straw becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a pivoted conveyor that can dynamically change its position and orientation. The conveyor belt can be pivoted to different angles to accommodate the increased distance between the separating arrangement and the rearward-positioned straw chopper, providing flexible straw transport without requiring complex fixed conveying structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the conveying system by using a driven belt conveyor with adjustable pivot angle. This allows the system to adapt to the increased spatial requirements of high-capacity combines, maintaining effective straw transport over longer distances through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor is used for swath deposit operation, then straw can be deposited on the ground, but a separate chaff distributor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the conveyor system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions. The same pivoted conveyor that deposits straw in swath mode also serves to distribute chaff and small particles when positioned appropriately. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate chaff distributor, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of straw deposition and chaff distribution into a single conveyor system. By using the same pivoted conveyor for both straw handling and chaff distribution, the patent combines what would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different operating modes.
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
Enables efficient straw transportation and chaff distribution in both modes without the need for position changes, improving throughput and eliminating the need for separate chaff distributors, while maintaining effective conveying of crop remains to the straw chopper.
Implementation Method 1
the attainable throughput is limited by the friction of the harvested crop on the guide elements
Implementation Method 2
an ejection drum to accelerate straw for efficient delivery
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a combine (10) with a chassis (12) that can be moved across a field in the forward operating direction, a harvested crop processing arrangement (26) with an outlet (62) for straw and a straw chopper (60) with an inlet for straw (58). A rotating conveyor drum (68) is attached downstream of the outlet (62) of the harvested crop processing arrangement (26) and upstream of the inlet (58) of the straw chopper (60) that rotates in a first direction of rotation in the swath deposit operating mode and that conveys the straw received from the harvested crop processing arrangement (26) past the straw chopper (60) to the ground, and conveys it in the chopper operating mode in the second direction of rotation into the inlet (58) of the straw chopper (60).