Twin-Rotor Combine Harvester Concave Inserts for Fast Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combine harvesters with twin rotor arrangements require the entire concave assembly to be removed for replacing individual concave inserts, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially for changing concaves for different crops or when they become worn.
Innovation Solution
A concave apparatus with a support frame and pivotally mounted brackets allows individual concave inserts to be replaced without removing the entire concave assembly, featuring symmetrical inserts that can be mounted in either space and fastened through projecting portions for easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire concave assembly is removed for replacing individual concave inserts, then the replacement can be performed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The concave assembly is segmented into a stationary support frame and replaceable concave inserts. The support frame remains mounted on the combine while individual inserts can be independently removed and replaced by detaching them from the frame, eliminating the need to remove the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave inserts are extracted as separate, independently replaceable components from the complete concave assembly. This allows the inserts to be removed and replaced without taking out the support frame structure, simplifying the replacement operation.
2Ease of repair
If the entire concave assembly is removed for replacing individual concave inserts, then the replacement can be performed, but time is lost during the process
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the concave system into a permanent support frame and removable inserts, the replacement process only involves detaching and reattaching individual inserts rather than the entire assembly, significantly reducing replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is pre-mounted and prepared on the combine, with attachment points ready for the inserts. This preliminary setup allows for quick insertion and attachment of replacement concave inserts without requiring extensive preparation or removal of other components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If symmetrical concave inserts are used that can be mounted in either space, then versatility is improved, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame uses asymmetrical positioning features including projecting portions on specific transverse bars and corresponding recesses in the concave inserts. This asymmetry creates keyed mounting positions that guide and constrain the inserts to correct locations, preventing incorrect installation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The projecting portions and recesses act as intermediary positioning features between the support frame and concave inserts. These features mediate the mounting process by providing mechanical guidance and constraint, ensuring proper alignment and positioning without requiring complex mounting procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A concave apparatus is provided for use in a twin rotor combine harvester which includes replaceable concave inserts which are carried in a concave support frame including two side rails which extend around a portion of each rotor from a bottom of the rotor outwardly around approximately 90 degrees. The frame includes transverse connecting bars at right angles to the side rails with an upper bar, a center bar and a lower bar defining between them openings for the concave inserts. An upper transverse bar of the lower concave insert has fastener holes to receive coupling fasteners for connection to the center transverse bar of the concave support frame and has a projecting portion lying in an axial plane and projecting radially outwardly to a position beyond the center transverse bar of the concave frame with fastener holes therethrough for attachment to pivotal bracket of the combine harvester.