Screen Cleaning System for Combines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling and intake air filtration systems for vehicles like combines face limitations in ensuring complete airflow exposure to cooling cores, particularly those located off-center, due to debris accumulation and complex cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular material catching screen with a screen cleaning assembly featuring a hollow arm connected to a vacuum source via a duct, allowing for efficient debris removal while maintaining full airflow exposure, utilizing a radially movable and pivotally coupled sweeping arm assembly with a brush and comb member to clear debris from the mesh screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotary screen with vacuum duct is used, then debris removal is effective, but airflow to cooling cores at the corners is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into multiple zones with dedicated cleaning mechanisms for different areas. The patent uses a linear cleaning unit that moves along the screen surface, with separate suction ports positioned at different locations including corners and edges, allowing independent debris removal from each zone while maintaining airflow to all cooling cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary linear cleaning unit that acts as a mediator between the debris on the screen and the vacuum suction system. This cleaning unit includes a brush or comb member that contacts the screen surface to dislodge debris, which is then removed by suction ports positioned strategically to maintain airflow paths to cooling cores.
2Productivity
If a linear cleaning unit is used on a rectangular sieve, then complete screen cleaning is achieved, but the drive mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linear cleaning unit is designed to be self-propelling, using the vacuum pressure differential created by the suction ports to move the cleaning unit along the screen. The brush or comb member engages with the screen surface, and the vacuum suction automatically pulls the cleaning unit across the screen without requiring an external complex drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure differentials to drive the linear cleaning unit. The vacuum suction ports create a pressure differential that propels the cleaning unit along the screen surface. This pneumatic drive mechanism eliminates the need for mechanical drive systems, reducing complexity while maintaining complete screen coverage.
3Productivity
If suction ports are positioned to clean entire screen surface, then debris removal is complete, but airflow to cooling cores is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions suction ports at specific locations on the screen rather than uniformly across the entire surface. Suction ports are strategically placed at the edges and corners where debris accumulates, while the center area maintains open airflow paths to the cooling cores. This localized suction approach ensures complete debris removal from critical areas without obstructing cooling airflow.
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
This solution ensures uniform airflow to engine cooling cores, enhancing cooling performance and enabling the use of higher heat rejection cores within the same size envelope by effectively removing debris without obstructing airflow.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow arm (42) movable over a surface of the screen, the arm having an aperture (48) in a first side which is adjacent to the surface of the screen; a hollow duct (32) for connecting the arm to a source of vacuum pressure (33)
Implementation Method 2
The brush member (50) includes a roller (52) which rotatable supported at its outer end. The roller (52) rides along a track (54) formed by the outer frame (14).
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A screen cleaning assembly (10) for cleaning a rectangular material catching screen (9) comprises a hollow arm (42, 50) movable over a surface of the screen (9), the arm (42, 50) having an aperture in a first side which is adjacent to the surface of the screen (9); a hollow duct (32) for connecting the arm (42, 50) to a source (33) of vacuum pressure; and an actuator mechanism for moving the arm (42, 50) so that the aperture draws material off of the screen (9) as the arm (42, 50) moves over the screen (9). The arm (42, 50) comprises an inner arm (42) pivotally coupled to the duct and an outer arm (50) which is movable with respect to the inner arm (42).