Triangular Seal Plate for Grain Header Sill Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing designs for grain head attachments in combine harvesters suffer from deformation and potential tearing of sill plates due to oscillating forces, leading to clogging and equipment damage, necessitating regular inspection and replacement of shoulder bolts.
Innovation Solution
A triangular seal plate system with specific hole configurations and metallurgical joining methods is introduced, using shoulder bolts with distinct head and shoulder portions, along with washers, to securely attach the sill plates and absorb oscillating forces without creating catch points for crop material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If shoulder bolts are used to secure sill plates in grain headers, then the sill plates can be held in place during operation, but the oscillating forces cause deformation and tearing of the sill plates over time
Solution Approach 1:
A seal plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the shoulder bolt and the sill plate. The seal plate absorbs the oscillating forces and prevents direct stress concentration on the sill plate, thereby preventing deformation and tearing while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal plate is pre-installed on the shoulder bolt before securing the sill plate. This preliminary placement ensures that the force distribution geometry is established in advance, preventing stress concentration at the bolt-sill plate interface during operation.
2Reliability
If regular inspection and replacement of shoulder bolts is performed, then equipment damage can be prevented, but downtime and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plate is designed as a disposable, inexpensive component that protects the more valuable shoulder bolt and sill plate. By sacrificing the cheap seal plate, the system prevents damage to critical components, reducing maintenance downtime and costs.
3Strength
If the seal plate bolt hole prevents the bolt head from passing through, then the seal plate remains securely attached, but the bolt head cannot be easily removed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is segmented into distinct portions: a head portion that remains attached to the seal plate and a shoulder portion that can be removed. This segmentation allows the seal plate to stay securely attached while enabling easy removal of the bolt shaft for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt hole in the seal plate is designed with specific local dimensions that allow the shoulder portion to pass through while retaining the head portion. This local quality differentiation enables both secure attachment and easy maintenance.
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 solution effectively extends the lifespan of sill plates by preventing deformation and clogging, reducing downtime and equipment damage, while allowing for flexible operation over uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The triangular seal plate may be made from a metal which may be metallurgically fused to the sill plate such as by welding, brazing, and soldering.
Implementation Method 2
The triangular seal plate may be made from a metal which may be metallurgically fused to the sill plate such as by welding, brazing, and soldering.
Implementation Method 3
The triangular seal plate may be made from a metal which may be metallurgically fused to the sill plate such as by welding, brazing, and soldering.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for securing sill plates in grain header attachments for combine harvesters. A generally triangular sill plate seal includes a bolt through hole for securing the seal to a sill plate using existing bolt holes. The seal is then joined to the sill plate at securing holes located at the vertices of the seal using a fusing method such as welding or brazing. The systems and methods disclosed may be applied to new headers or adapted to existing headers.