Rotatable Concave Frame for In-Field Threshing Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters with rotary threshing systems require cumbersome and time-consuming concave changes due to the need for manual handling and storage, which is particularly challenging for varying crop conditions and types, and often necessitates stopping the machine for concave replacement.
Innovation Solution
A concave support frame that allows for rotatable concaves around the rotor, enabling quick and easy switching between different concave sets without leaving the cab, using a belt and motor system or gear wheel mechanism for operation, and adjustable clearance between the concaves and rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling and storage of concaves is used, then concave replacement is possible, but it is time-consuming and requires stopping the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The concave support frame is made rotatable around the rotor, allowing dynamic switching between different concave sets during operation. This enables the combine to adapt to varying crop conditions without stopping, as the frame can be rotated to bring different concaves into the working position while the machine continues harvesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave support frame is divided into multiple segments or positions, each holding a different concave set. This segmentation allows selective positioning of different concaves around the rotor, enabling quick switching between them by rotating the frame to the appropriate segment without manual removal and installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple concave sets are stored for different crop conditions, then adaptability is improved, but storage space and manual handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple concave sets are merged onto a single rotatable support frame structure. Instead of storing separate concave sets in different locations requiring manual handling, they are combined on one frame that can be rotated to bring any concave set into the working position, simplifying the storage and handling system while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave support frame utilizes rotational movement around the rotor, adding a dimensional aspect to concave selection. Instead of linear storage requiring manual retrieval, the system uses circular/rotational positioning where different concaves are arranged around the rotor at different angular positions, enabling selection through rotation rather than manual handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If concave changes require manual handling, then flexibility is maintained, but operator effort and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service concave selection through the rotatable frame mechanism. The operator can rotate the frame to position the desired concave set without needing to manually remove and install heavy concaves, significantly reducing physical effort while maintaining the ability to select different concaves for different crop conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable support frame acts as an intermediary between the stored concave sets and the working position. Instead of the operator directly handling heavy concaves, the frame serves as a mediator that can be easily rotated to bring the desired concave into position, reducing the physical burden on the operator while maintaining flexibility in concave selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a rotary thresher for a combine harvester comprising a plurality of concaves which may be rotated around a rotor to move to or from a threshing position or one or more of one or more resting positions.