Root Crop Harvester Hitch and Conveyor for Tight Turns and Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional root crop harvesters face issues with turning radius limitations due to 3-point linkage lifting, requiring higher HP tractors or smaller harvester sizes, and struggle with efficient separation of soil clods and debris from root crops during harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A pull type tractor driven root crop digger cum harvester with an improved hitch system allowing articulation between tractor and harvester, and an efficient conveyor system that separates soil clods on both sides, using a hitch assembly with a pivot and wheels for reduced turning radius, and a dual conveyor system with adjustable speeds for enhanced cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional 3-point linkage lifting is used, then the harvester can be attached to the tractor, but the turning radius is limited and the tractor front is lifted
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is segmented into multiple components: a first hitch member attached to the tractor, a second hitch member attached to the harvester, and a linkage connecting them. This segmentation allows independent movement and articulation of each part, enabling the harvester to turn with a smaller radius without lifting the tractor front, as the linkage can articulate to accommodate the turning motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities through the linkage mechanism that allows angular movement between the tractor and harvester. This dynamic structure adapts during turning operations, maintaining connection while allowing the harvester to pivot independently, thus reducing turning radius without transferring lifting forces to the tractor front.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If higher HP heavier tractors with ballasts are used, then front lifting is prevented, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is segmented into multiple components: a first hitch member attached to the tractor, a second hitch member attached to the harvester, and a linkage connecting them. This segmentation allows independent movement and articulation of each part, enabling the harvester to turn with a smaller radius without lifting the tractor front, as the linkage can articulate to accommodate the turning motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage acts as an intermediary element between the tractor and harvester, mediating the forces and movements between them. Instead of directly transmitting lifting forces to the tractor front, the linkage absorbs and redistributes these forces through its articulation points, preventing front lifting without requiring additional tractor weight or complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional conveying systems are used, then root crops can be conveyed, but soil clods and debris are not effectively separated
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is segmented into multiple conveyors with different functions: a first conveyor for initial conveying, a second conveyor for cleaning, and a third conveyor for final conveying. Each conveyor is equipped with specific elements (cleaning elements on the second conveyor) to perform particular separation tasks, progressively removing soil clods and debris at different stages to achieve high cleaning efficiency and separation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning action is performed preliminarily during the conveying process itself. The second conveyor with cleaning elements removes soil clods and debris before the root crops reach the final conveying stage, pre-cleaning the crop stream to reduce the burden on subsequent processing and improve overall separation efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A Pull Type Tractor Driven Root Crop Digger cum Harvester The present invention relates to a pull type tractor driven root crop digger cum harvester having an improved hitch assembly and efficient conveyor system. The hitch assembly (3) having fixed frame (13) and rotating frame (14) is being pivotally connected through pin joint (5). Said rotating frame is connected with tractor (1) through the lower links (4). Said configuration allows the articulation between tractor and harvester resulting in smaller turning radius and not causing any front lifting of tractor. Further, the root crop conveyor system includes rubber flap mounted conveyor (8) that run opposite and parallel to and on top of conveyer (7) for preventing any fall of root crop due to gravity. Further, the slope of conveyer (7), immediately after digging blade (6) is approximately aligned with slope of digger blade (6) through sprocket that reduces soil accumulation on conveyer by reducing resistance to move on later steeper portion of slope on conveyer (7).