Threshing Concave Adjustment Mechanism for Independent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threshing concaves for combine harvesters require two separate actuation elements for adjusting the crop processing device and adjustable elements, leading to complexity and reduced accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A single adjustment mechanism is introduced that allows independent adjustment of the crop processing device and adjustable elements, such as de-awning plates or finger bars, using a rotatable disk with cams and coupling elements to simplify the actuation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate actuation elements are used for adjusting the crop processing device and adjustable elements, then both components can be adjusted independently, but the device complexity increases and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuation elements into a single integrated adjustment mechanism. The adjustable elements (182, 184) are coupled to a common adjustment mechanism (170) that includes a movable element (172), allowing both the crop processing device (150) and adjustable elements (182, 184) to be actuated independently through one unified structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving independent adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct coupling paths within the single movable element. The movable element (172) includes first and second coupling elements that separately connect to the crop processing device (150) and adjustable elements (182, 184), enabling independent adjustment of each component through the unified adjustment mechanism while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate actuation elements are used for adjusting the crop processing device and adjustable elements, then both components can be adjusted independently, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two actuation operations into a single adjustment mechanism (170) with one movable element (172). This unified structure allows the operator to adjust both the crop processing device (150) and adjustable elements (182, 184) through a single point of control, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining the capability for independent adjustment of each component
3Ease of operation
If additional openings are added for actuation elements, then accessibility is improved, but the structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates access requirements into a single opening structure. The single adjustment mechanism (170) with its movable element (172) can be accessed through one opening in the side wall, eliminating the need for multiple separate openings. This approach maintains structural integrity by minimizing openings while still providing adequate accessibility for operating both adjustment functions
Data Source
AI summary
A threshing concave for a combine harvester comprises a crop processing device which is arranged at the inlet to the threshing concave and can be adjusted between an active and an inactive position, adjustable elements which are arranged downstream of the inlet to the threshing concave and can be adjusted between an active and an inactive position, and an adjustment mechanism for separate adjustment of the crop processing device and the adjustable elements, which comprises a movable adjustment element which is coupled to the crop processing device and to the adjustable elements.