Reversible Return Conveyance in Combine Harvesters for Crop Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters face inefficiencies in crop material separation and processing, particularly when handling crops like corn that produce minimal material other than grain (MOG), leading to suboptimal processing speed and separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reversible return system in combine harvesters that allows crop material to be directed either forward or rearward to the grain pan, enabling tailored processing for different crops by bypassing or utilizing the grain pan based on crop type, combined with vibrating or conveyor/auger mechanisms to enhance separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If crop material is conveyed through a traditional grain pan to the chaffer, then grain and MOG separation occurs, but processing speed is reduced and separation efficiency is suboptimal for crops like corn with minimal MOG
Solution Approach 1:
The return system is designed to be reversible, allowing it to change direction dynamically based on crop type. For corn with minimal MOG, the system reverses to bypass the grain pan and convey material directly to the chaffer, increasing processing speed. For crops with substantial MOG, the system operates in forward mode to maintain effective separation through the grain pan, thus adapting the separation efficiency to match crop requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path parameter by reversing the return system direction. This parameter change allows the material flow to be redirected from the traditional path (through grain pan) to an optimized path (direct to chaffer), thereby improving processing speed for specific crops without compromising separation efficiency when needed.
2Productivity
If a reversible return system is implemented to optimize processing for different crops, then processing speed and separation efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convey material forward through the grain pan for crops requiring separation, or reverse to bypass the grain pan for crops like corn where direct conveyance is optimal. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle diverse crop types efficiently, improving overall productivity without requiring entirely separate systems for different crops.
Solution Approach 2:
The return system utilizes reversal capability to change its operational mode. By inverting the normal forward conveyance direction, the system can bypass the grain pan when appropriate, creating a flexible dual-mode operation that optimizes processing speed for specific crops while maintaining separation efficiency for others, thereby managing device complexity through intelligent design rather than multiple separate 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
Enhances processing speed and separation efficiency by optimizing material flow and initial separation, allowing faster and more effective grain and MOG separation for various crops, including corn.
Implementation Method 1
Grain and chaff separated in this process falls due to gravity through a concave grate onto an underlying grain pan
Implementation Method 2
combined with vibrating or conveyor/auger mechanisms to enhance separation efficiency
Implementation Method 3
combined with vibrating or conveyor/auger mechanisms to enhance separation efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A combine harvester includes a feederhouse configured to convey a crop material from a harvesting header, a threshing system configured to receive the crop material from the feederhouse and separate straw therefrom, and a cleaning system below the threshing system and configured to separate grain from chaff of the crop material. The cleaning system includes a reversible return system configured to receive the crop material from the threshing system, a grain pan below the return system, at least one oscillating grate configured to receive the crop material from the grain pan, and a blower configured to direct air rearward and upward through the oscillating grate. The return system delivers the crop material to a forward end of the grain pan in a first operating mode, and to a rearward end of the grain pan in a second operating mode. Related methods are also disclosed.