Perforated Screen Cleaning via High-Velocity Air Stream
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air screen cleaning systems in combine harvesters often fail to adequately remove debris from the perforations, leading to blockages and reduced efficiency in cooling units.
Innovation Solution
An aspiration system with a perforated screen and an air delivery device that directs a high-velocity air stream through the screen to dislodge debris, complementing the existing wand cleaning mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wand and brush cleaning system is used on the screen, then some debris removal is achieved, but the perforations remain blocked by chaff and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a fan to generate a high-velocity air stream that flows through the screen perforations. This air stream directly impacts the screen surface to dislodge blocked debris from the perforations, complementing the mechanical wand and brush cleaning system. The pneumatic action removes particles that mechanical cleaning cannot effectively reach, thereby maintaining screen reliability and cooling system productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the screen is used to filter dust and chaff, then cooling unit protection is achieved, but the perforations become blocked over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously or periodically activating the air stream through the screen to prevent debris accumulation before it completely blocks the perforations. The high-velocity air flow acts as a preventive maintenance mechanism, constantly agitating the screen surface to keep perforations clear and maintain filtration effectiveness over extended operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure from the fan-generated air stream to physically impact and dislodge debris from the screen perforations. This pneumatic cleaning action prevents the harmful accumulation of dust and chaff that would otherwise block the screen, thereby maintaining both filtration function and perforation openness simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical cleaning (wand and brush) is used, then surface debris is removed, but deep perforation blockages persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent complements the simple mechanical wand and brush system with a pneumatic air stream that penetrates deep into the screen perforations. The high-velocity air flow provides a cleaning action that reaches into the perforation depths where mechanical brushes cannot effectively operate, thereby achieving thorough perforation cleanliness while maintaining operational simplicity through the addition of a fan-driven air delivery system.
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 the cleaning effectiveness of the air screen by ensuring that debris is removed, maintaining the efficiency of the cooling system and preventing blockages.
Implementation Method 1
distributes a stream of high velocity air flow over the screen, that acts in combination with the wand, to further enhance cleaning of the screen
Data Source
AI summary
An aspiration system of an agricultural vehicle includes a perforated screen that is configured to be positioned adjacent a fan-cooled fluid cooler, and an air delivery device positioned on one side surface of the perforated screen. The air delivery device includes a series of openings facing the perforated screen for directing air through the perforated screen to dislodge debris on the perforated screen.