Rigid Grain Elevator Paddles for Consistent Yield Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paddles in agricultural combine clean grain elevators generate inconsistent yield measurements due to flexibility and irregular shapes, causing scattered grain distribution and inaccurate signals at yield sensors, especially at low grain flows.
Innovation Solution
The use of improved paddles with fore and aft sloped ends constructed from rigid materials like thermoplastic polyethylene or stainless steel, which maintain shape and direct a consistent, contiguous grain mass to the yield sensor, reducing scattering and enhancing signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional paddles are used in the clean grain elevator, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the yield measurements are inconsistent and inaccurate due to flexible and irregular shapes causing scattered grain distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle material is changed from flexible to rigid, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of the paddle to eliminate deformation and maintain a consistent shape during operation, thereby ensuring accurate and consistent yield measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle design incorporates asymmetric features including a cup-shaped configuration with sloped fore and aft ends, creating an optimized grain pile arrangement that directs grain flow consistently toward the yield sensor, improving measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If conventional paddles are used, then manufacturing is easy, but grain scattering occurs and signal consistency at the yield sensor deteriorates, especially at low grain flows
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter is changed from flexible to rigid, which fundamentally improves signal consistency and eliminates grain scattering while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard rigid material fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle is pre-formed with a specific cup-shaped configuration and sloped ends during manufacturing, establishing the optimal grain pile arrangement in advance to ensure consistent grain flow direction toward the yield sensor from the outset
3Measurement precision
If flexible paddles are used, then the structure is simpler, but grain distribution becomes scattered and yield sensor signals become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The rigidity parameter of the paddle is increased by changing from flexible to rigid material, which directly improves measurement precision by eliminating shape deformation and ensuring consistent grain pile formation and discharge
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
The improved paddles ensure more accurate and consistent yield measurements by maintaining a consistent grain pile and reducing scattering, even at low grain flows, resulting in stronger and more reliable signals for mass flow sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The improved paddles with fore and aft sloped ends constructed from rigid materials like thermoplastic polyethylene or stainless steel, which maintain shape
Implementation Method 2
the grain is thrown into the discharge area as illustrated in FIG. 2
Data Source
AI summary
A grain paddle for a clean grain elevator of a combine harvester. The paddle includes a substantially rigid body with a planar portion having ends disposed distal and proximal to an elevator chain of the combine harvester. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent the proximal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent to the distal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include sloped lateral edges.