Combine Harvester Threshing Chopper for Variable Residue Cut Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threshing systems in combine harvesters lack the ability to efficiently vary the cut length and chop quality of crop residue based on the crop being harvested and desired residue management practices.
Innovation Solution
A combine harvester design incorporating a cage surrounding a rotor, an auger with specific vane geometry, and a chopper with adjustable rotation and knife blades to control the cut length and quality of crop residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional rotor design is used for threshing, then the threshing speed is maintained, but the ability to vary cut length and chop quality of crop residue is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into two distinct portions: a threshing portion with threshing elements for separating grain from residue, and a driver portion with driving elements for propelling residue rearward. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while enabling variable residue treatment capabilities without requiring complete redesign of the entire rotor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor design incorporates adjustable components including variable speed control for the rotor and chopper, and adjustable chopper knife positions. These dynamic elements allow operators to vary the cut length and chop quality of crop residue in real-time based on crop type and residue management requirements, providing adaptability without permanent structural complexity.
2Speed
If the rotor is designed to increase threshing speed, then the speed at which crop is threshed and driven through the combine is improved, but the proportion of the rotor available for threshing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is segmented into a threshing portion and a driver portion, where the driver portion is specifically designed to propel residue rearward at high speed. This segmentation allows the combine to achieve increased overall threshing and transport speed while maintaining sufficient threshing capacity through the dedicated threshing elements in the other portion of the rotor.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor serves multiple functions simultaneously: the threshing portion performs grain separation while the driver portion performs residue propulsion. This multi-functionality allows the rotor to increase both threshing speed and residue transport speed without requiring separate systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving speed improvement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a chopper assembly is added to vary cut length of crop residue, then the chop quality control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chopper assembly is integrated with the existing rotor and cage structure, with the chopper positioned within the cage and the chopper shaft aligned with the rotor axis. This merging of functions allows chop quality control to be added to the system without requiring completely separate residue treatment equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage serves as an intermediary structure that houses both the rotor and the chopper assembly, providing a shared spatial framework. This intermediary structure allows the chopper to be integrated into the existing threshing system without requiring separate support structures, reducing the complexity increase associated with adding chopper functionality.
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
Enables operators to adjust the cut length and quality of crop residue by varying the auger vane geometry and chopper rotation, enhancing residue management flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an auger at least partially positioned within the cage and connected to said rotor for rotating therewith, said auger comprising vanes for transporting crop in a transport direction from the rotor and towards an outlet of the cage
Implementation Method 2
a chopper positioned either at or adjacent the outlet of the cage, wherein a rotational axis of the chopper is substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the auger and the rotor
Data Source
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AI summary
A combine (20) harvester includes a cage (32') at least partially surrounding a rotor (28') for threshing crops in the space (34) between the cage (321) and the rotor (28'). An auger (302) is at least partially positioned within the cage (32') and is connected to the rotor (28') for rotating therewith. The auger (302) includes vanes (312) for transporting crop from the rotor (28') and towards an outlet of the cage (32'). A chopper (320) is positioned either at or adjacent the outlet (310) of the cage (32'). A rotational axis (30) of the chopper (320) is substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the auger (302) and the rotor (28').