Combine Harvester Stone Trap Pivot Access for Concave Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters face challenges in maintenance due to the need to completely remove the stone trap for emptying, which is burdensome and limits the swivel range of the intake chute, and the complexity of removing threshing concave segments.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled combine harvester with a collection container that pivots about a horizontal axis, allowing it to be moved to a maintenance position, revealing a large opening for removing threshing concave segments without complete removal, and featuring a front flap that can be operated with one hand for ergonomic emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collection container is completely removed for emptying, then the container can be emptied, but the operator is burdened by both the weight of the trap itself and its contents
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is divided into two functional parts: the container body that remains installed and the front flap that can be opened independently. This segmentation allows operators to empty the container by opening only the front flap rather than removing the entire container, significantly reducing the weight burden while maintaining emptying functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The front flap is designed as a dynamic, movable component that can be opened and closed independently from the container body. This dynamic design enables selective access to the container interior for emptying without requiring complete removal, making the operation easier and safer by reducing manual handling of heavy components
2Ease of operation
If the collection container is completely removed, then the container can be emptied, but the intake chute swivel range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is segmented into a permanently installed container body and a removable front flap. This segmentation allows the front flap to be opened for emptying while the container body remains in place, preserving the intake chute's swivel range without compromising the emptying function
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complete removal of the collection container for emptying, only the front flap portion is opened. This partial action approach provides sufficient access for emptying while maintaining the container body's position and not limiting the intake chute's movement range
3Length of moving object
If the collection container remains installed, then the swivel range is maintained, but access to threshing concave segments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is segmented with a front flap that can be opened independently. This segmentation creates a maintenance opening that provides access to the threshing concave segments while the container body remains installed, thus maintaining both the swivel range and improving maintenance accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The opened front flap acts as an intermediary element that provides access to the threshing concave segments without requiring complete container removal. This intermediary approach allows maintenance personnel to reach and service the concave segments while the container body remains in its installed position, preserving the intake chute's swivel range
4Ease of repair
If a maintenance opening is provided above the intake channel, then threshing concave segments can be removed, but the removal process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing access to the threshing concave segments from above through the intake channel area, the front flap opening provides access from the front/below dimension. This dimensional change simplifies the removal process by allowing direct access to the concave segments without complex guidance maneuvers around the threshing drum
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled combine harvester (1) comprising a feed chute (5) height-adjustable by actuators (19), a threshing device (6) downstream of the feed chute (5) which has at least one threshing drum (9) and at least one threshing concave (10) sectionally enclosing the threshing drum (9), and a collection container (21) arranged below the feed chute (5) in the transition area (20) between the feed chute (5) and the threshing device (6), into which foreign bodies conveyed along with the feed chute (5) can be separated in a collection position of the collection container (21), wherein the collection container (21) can be removed from the transition area (20) in the direction of travel (FR), and wherein the collection container (21) can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis (53) extending transversely to the direction of travel (FR) below the Collection container (21) from the collection position to a maintenance position,in which the collection container (21) substantially completely releases its installation space (61), is arranged to pivot, so that after pivoting into the maintenance position the collection container (21) releases a maintenance opening formed thereby for removing at least one of the front threshing concave segments (59) of the threshing concave (10).