Sugarcane Harvester Conveyor Pivot Using an Elevated Slewing Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sugarcane harvesters face challenges with the design of the elevator mechanism, which often requires multiple hydraulic cylinders and a swing table below the lower receiving portion, limiting ground clearance and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A slewing bearing system is introduced, using a single actuator to rotate the elevator, eliminating the need for a swing table and positioning the slewing bearing above the lower receiving portion, thereby increasing ground clearance and improving maneuverability and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a swing table is used to support the elevator below the lower receiving portion, then the elevator can be properly supported and positioned, but ground clearance is limited and maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the slewing bearing from a horizontal support position (below the lower receiving portion) to a vertical position (above the lower receiving portion). This dimensional change allows the elevator to be supported from above rather than from below, eliminating the swing table and increasing ground clearance while maintaining stable elevator positioning and support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple hydraulic cylinders and a swing table are used to control the elevator, then the elevator can be properly controlled and positioned, but the number of hydraulic lines increases and device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the swing table and associated multiple hydraulic cylinders from the elevator support system. By removing this complex subsystem and replacing it with a single actuator engaged with the slewing bearing, the patent reduces the number of hydraulic lines and components while maintaining elevator control and positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple hydraulic cylinders and the swing table into a single actuator system. The single actuator, when engaged with the slewing bearing, performs the combined functions of support, positioning, and control that previously required multiple separate hydraulic components, thereby simplifying the overall device.
3Ease of operation
If the lower receiving portion is positioned lower to increase vertical distance from the ground, then ground clearance is improved, but the structural support requirements become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the support dimension from below (horizontal support via swing table) to above (vertical support via slewing bearing). This allows the lower receiving portion to be positioned lower relative to the ground while the slewing bearing provides the necessary structural support from above, maintaining both ground clearance and structural integrity.
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 slewing bearing system reduces the number of hydraulic lines, enhances ground clearance, and improves operational efficiency by allowing the lower receiving portion to be lowered without reducing ground clearance, thus improving the harvester's maneuverability and primary extractor performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first ring and the second ring form a slewing bearing interconnecting the support structure and the elevator
Implementation Method 2
the torque transmitting system may include a pinion gear mounted to an output of the actuator and a driven gear surface coupled to the first ring
Implementation Method 3
Once ejected from the chopper, gravity acts on the billets causing the billets to fall vertically downward
Implementation Method 4
A primary extractor is positioned between the chopper and the elevator to induce a flow of air through the billets for removing unwanted leaf material and other debris
Data Source
AI summary
A sugarcane harvester includes a support structure, an elevator, and a slewing bearing attaching the elevator to the support structure. The slewing bearing includes a first ring attached to the elevator, and a second ring attached to the support structure. An actuator is operatively coupled to the slewing bearing for rotating the first ring and the elevator relative to the second ring and the support structure. The slewing bearing may be attached to a primary extractor frame of the support structure, vertically above the lower receiving portion of the elevator.