Segmented Threshing Rotor for Gentle Grain Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional threshing devices in harvesting machines are aggressive and inefficient, leading to grain breakage, high energy consumption, and significant losses due to violent threshing processes that fail to effectively separate grains from their sheaths or spikes, especially under varying crop conditions and weather.

Innovation Solution

A threshing device featuring a series of rotors with intercalated threshing wheels and a flat or waved grille, where each rotor has perimetral projections with bent teeth that work in a progressive and non-violent manner to gently separate grains from straw, reducing the need for high engine power and minimizing grain breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional aggressive threshing systems (cross rotors with counter-mixers) are used, then threshing speed and processing capacity are improved, but grain breakage and loss increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreshing processing capacityVSAvoidgrain breakage and loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor is segmented into multiple working elements (teeth and mixers) distributed around the perimeter, each contributing to the threshing process. This segmentation allows the threshing action to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated in a single aggressive impact zone, reducing grain breakage while maintaining processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threshing process employs periodic action through the rotational movement of the rotor, where teeth and mixers sequentially contact the crop material in a rhythmic cycle. This periodic contact allows for progressive separation of grains from stalks rather than single violent impact, reducing grain damage while achieving effective threshing over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If high-speed violent threshing is applied, then threshing capacity is improved, but energy consumption and engine power demand increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreshing capacityVSAvoidengine power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic elements including the rotating rotor with teeth and mixers that adapt their action to the crop material being processed. The rotational dynamics allow for continuous engagement with the crop, maintaining threshing capacity while using the natural momentum of rotation rather than requiring excessive engine power for each individual threshing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder rotor performs preliminary action by gently feeding and pre-mixing the crop material before it reaches the main threshing rotors. This preliminary preparation reduces the intensity required in subsequent threshing stages, lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining effective grain separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If aggressive threshing with high inertia is used, then processing speed is improved, but grain quality and germinative capacity are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreshing processing speedVSAvoidgrain quality and germinative capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different elements of the rotor serve different local functions: teeth provide the primary threshing action for separating grains from stalks, while mixers provide gentle tumbling and mixing actions that further separate grains without excessive impact. This local differentiation of function allows effective threshing while protecting grain quality in different zones of the rotor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mixers act as intermediary elements between the aggressive teeth and the grain material. They provide a buffering action that continues the separation process initiated by the teeth but with gentler, more distributed contact, preserving grain integrity and germinative capacity while completing the threshing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If conventional rotor systems with mixers are used, then grain separation is achieved, but jamming and excessive wearing occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain separation effectivenessVSAvoidjamming and wearing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds the dimensional aspect of vertical mixing and tumbling motion through the mixers, complementing the horizontal rotational movement of the rotor. This multi-dimensional action prevents material from settling into jamming positions and distributes wear more evenly across all rotor elements rather than concentrating it at single contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7682235B2Threshing device for harvesting machines

Publication Date: 2010.03.23 FERRARIS OMAR RUBEN

AI summary

A threshing device for harvesting machines having a cut front header for cutting plants to be harvested. The threshing device includes a feeder rotor, at least two threshing rotors, and a grille located underneath of the threshing rotors. The threshing rotors are placed adjacent to each other and only one is located adjacent to the feeder rotor. The feeder rotor feeds the plants to the threshing rotor nearest the feeder rotor. The grille runs continuously through all the threshing rotors and includes a plurality of waves parallel to each other and defining peaks and valleys. The valleys match the peaks of the adjacent waves. On each valley the corresponding threshing wheel is located.