Snapping Roll Support Pin Sealing for Combine Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support rotating assemblies for snapping rolls in combine harvesting machines require frequent lubrication, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance, energy consumption, and reliability issues, with existing solutions being time-consuming and prone to overheating and breakage.
Innovation Solution
A forward support rotating assembly featuring an axial seat with a cylindrical support pin, a sliding element (such as a ball bearing), and a labyrinth seal element, along with an elastic ring and annular seal, which reduces the need for maintenance and lowers energy consumption by providing a reliable and durable sealing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional support rotating assemblies are used, then the snapping rolls can rotate, but frequent lubrication is required leading to high maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lubrication function from the support rotating assembly by introducing a sealed bearing system with labyrinth seals that prevent contaminant ingress and retain lubrication without requiring external lubrication points. This eliminates the need for manual lubrication operations while maintaining reliable rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rotating assembly is designed to be self-sufficient through integrated sealed bearings that contain their own lubrication. The labyrinth seals create a self-contained environment that prevents external contaminants from entering and internal lubrication from escaping, making the system maintenance-free during operation.
2Reliability
If conventional support assemblies are used, then the snapping rolls can be supported, but they require frequent lubrication increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lubrication requirement from the operational system by implementing sealed bearings with labyrinth seals. This separation allows the snapping rolls to rotate reliably without the energy waste associated with frequent lubrication maintenance interventions.
3Reliability
If conventional support assemblies are used, then the snapping rolls can rotate, but they are prone to overheating and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing sealed bearings that prevent contaminant ingress before it can cause damage. The labyrinth seals create a protective barrier that shields the bearing internals from dust, moisture, and other contaminants that would otherwise lead to overheating and structural failure.
4Ease of operation
If conventional support assemblies are used, then the snapping rolls can be supported, but manual lubrication is required while the machine is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The support rotating assembly is designed to be self-sufficient through integrated sealed bearings that contain their own lubrication. The labyrinth seals create a self-contained environment that prevents external contaminants from entering and internal lubrication from escaping, making the system maintenance-free during operation.
5Reliability
If conventional support assemblies are used, then the snapping rolls can rotate, but the assemblies are not robust and cause seizing and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerability to contaminants by implementing labyrinth seals that physically separate the bearing environment from external contaminants. This extraction of the contaminant threat allows the support assembly to operate robustly without seizing or breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing sealed bearings that prevent contaminant ingress before it can cause damage. The labyrinth seals create a protective barrier that shields the bearing internals from dust, moisture, and other contaminants that would otherwise lead to overheating and structural failure.
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
The solution results in a maintenance-free, energy-efficient, and cost-effective support assembly that extends maintenance intervals and ensures reliable operation with reduced energy consumption and improved sealing, enhancing the overall performance of snapping rolls.
Implementation Method 1
At least one sliding element and at least one labyrinth seal element are interposed between the support pin and the inner wall of the seat
Implementation Method 2
GB-A-2007777 and FR 2596484 disclose respective radial-shaft sealing arrangements comprising labyrinth seal elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Forward support rotating assembly (11) for a snapping roll (13) of a snapping unit (23) of a combine harvesting machine, comprising: - a frontally open axial seat (15) provided in the snapping roll (13) and having an inner circumferential abutment edge (17); - a cylindrical support pin (19) extending axially in the seat (15) and being integral with a support bracket (21) for fixing the assembly (11) to a snapping unit (23); - a sliding element (25) interposed between the support pin (19) and the seat (15); - a labyrinth seal element (37) comprising a cylindrical ferrule (39), which has a labyrinth cross-section and in which there is defined an inner annular seat (39a), and an annular packing seal (41) received in the annular seat (39a) and radially contacting the outer surface (29) of the cylindrical support pin (19), wherein the labyrinth seal element (37) frontally seals the seat (15) with respect to the outside.