Sugarcane Feed Roller Sealed Coupling Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The coupling in sugarcane harvester feed rollers experiences accelerated wear due to exposure to crop material, dirt, and water, leading to frequent replacements every 1000 hours of operation.

Innovation Solution

A sealed connection is established between the shaft coupler and the roller coupler using a radial lip seal, protecting the splined joint from debris and maintaining lubrication, thereby reducing wear and extending the coupling's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coupling is exposed to crop material, dirt, and water for operational functionality, then the coupling can transmit power in the feed section, but the coupling experiences accelerated wear and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling lifespanVSAvoidwear from crop material, dirt, and water

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A seal (flexible film/shell) is installed between the shaft coupler and roller coupler to create a protective barrier. The seal prevents crop material, dirt, and water from entering the splined joint, while allowing the coupling to remain exposed and functional in the harsh feed section environment. This resolves the contradiction by protecting the coupling components without isolating the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the coupling operates without sealing protection, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the splined joint suffers from accelerated wear due to exposure to contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling durabilityVSAvoidcoupling structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal introduces minimal complexity to the coupling structure while providing significant protection. The seal is a simple component that fits between the shaft coupler and roller coupler, requiring only basic installation procedures. This small structural addition dramatically improves durability by preventing contaminant ingress into the splined joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The seal acts as an intermediary element between the contaminated external environment and the internal splined joint. It mediates the interaction by blocking harmful substances (crop material, dirt, water) from reaching the joint surfaces, thereby protecting the coupling without requiring major structural changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 sealed connection significantly reduces wear and tear on the splined joint, extending the operational life of the coupling and minimizing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

The seal establishes a sealed connection between the shaft coupler and the roller coupler for protection of the splined joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10070586B2Sugarcane feed roller structure with sealed coupling and associated method

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A sugarcane feed roller structure comprises a sugarcane feed roller, a motor, a coupling, and a seal. The coupling interconnects the motor and the sugarcane feed roller, and comprises a splined joint. The seal protects the splined joint. An associated method is disclosed.