Rotatable Shields for Combine Harvester Residue Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combine harvester designs do not allow for seamless adaptation between swath depositing and chopping modes, particularly in distributing crop residues laterally to avoid mixing with straw, which is essential for efficient harvesting and processing.
Innovation Solution
A throwing fan arrangement with two blowers rotating in opposite directions, accompanied by adjustable shields that can be controlled to change distribution characteristics, allowing for precise lateral distribution of crop residues during both swath depositing and chopping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shields are used to control crop residue discharge, then distribution characteristics can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shields are made rotatable about the axis of rotation of the throwing fan, allowing dynamic adjustment of their position. This enables the shields to adapt to different operational modes (swath depositing vs. chopping) by rotating into appropriate positions, providing variable distribution characteristics without requiring multiple fixed shield configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The same shield structure serves multiple functions: it can be positioned to deposit crop residues laterally spaced from straw during swath depositing mode, or positioned to distribute crop residues evenly across the field during chopping mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for different operational modes
2Productivity
If crop residues are deposited laterally spaced from straw, then processing efficiency improves, but distribution precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shields act as intermediary elements between the throwing fan and the field. By positioning the shields at specific angles and distances, they mediate the discharge of crop residues, directing them laterally spaced from the straw swath. This intermediary function allows for controlled separation without requiring extreme precision in the throwing fan's discharge characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The shields create localized discharge zones at different lateral positions. The first shield deposits crop residues laterally spaced from the straw, while the second shield distributes residues more centrally. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization for both separation efficiency and even field distribution
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 unproblematic adjustment of distribution characteristics, ensuring crop residues are deposited separately from straw, improving operational efficiency and allowing for even distribution during chopping and swath depositing modes.
Implementation Method 1
The blowing fans are rotating in opposite directions, with the blowing fan areas facing the straw chopper rotating towards each other
Implementation Method 2
The crop residues brought in by the straw chopper are accepted by the two blowers and distributed over the field
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The crop residue chaff- and -distribution arrangement comprises a straw chopper with chaff cutters, and two throw blowers arranged laterally adjacent to each other. A screen (144) is mounted on a rotary holder pivoted around a rotary axis of the associated throw blower. The rotary holder carries another screen (146), which has a smaller dimension in the circumferential direction than the former screen so that the latter screen is selectively brought into an active position in place of the former screen.