Variable Basecutter Assembly for Sugarcane Harvesters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sugarcane harvester basecutter assemblies often require separate and complex systems for cutter and feeder operations, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential reliability issues due to the need for multiple hydraulic circuits.

Innovation Solution

A basecutter assembly with a variator that couples the cutter drive to the feed drive, allowing for variable rotational speeds of the feeders, which are independently rotatable, thereby simplifying the system and potentially reducing the need for multiple hydraulic circuits by using a hydraulic or electric variator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate hydraulic circuits are used for cutter and feeder operations, then operational independence is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cutter drive and feed drive into a single integrated system where the cutter drive unit powers both the cutters and feeders through a common transmission mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate hydraulic circuits while maintaining operational functionality, directly reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutter drive unit serves multiple functions by simultaneously driving both the cutters and feeders. This multi-functionality allows a single drive system to perform what previously required separate dedicated systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hydraulic circuits are used, then operational flexibility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple hydraulic circuits into a single drive system, the patent reduces the number of components required, including pumps, valves, and hydraulic lines. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs while the variable speed capability maintains operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a variable speed motor that allows operational flexibility through speed variation rather than requiring multiple dedicated circuits. By changing the speed parameter of a single drive system, the same flexibility previously achieved through multiple circuits is obtained at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple stand-alone pumps are used, then system reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple pump functions into a single variable speed motor-driven system. This reduces the number of potential failure points while the ability to vary speed provides operational redundancy, maintaining reliability with fewer components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By using a variable speed motor, the system can dynamically adjust its operation to maintain reliability. The dynamic speed control allows the single drive system to compensate for varying loads and conditions that previously required multiple stand-alone pumps for redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If independent rotation of feeders is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed variation capabilityVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements independent feeder speed control through a variable speed motor that can operate at different rotational speeds. This parameter change approach allows each feeder to be independently controlled for speed while using a simpler single-drive architecture rather than complex multi-drive systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The single variable speed motor serves as a universal drive that can independently control multiple feeders through a common transmission system. This multi-functional approach provides speed variation capability for each feeder without requiring separate dedicated drive systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10477766B2Variable basecutter assembly

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A basecutter assembly for a sugarcane harvester comprises a first cutter, a second cutter, a first feeder, a second feeder, a cutter drive, and a feed drive. The first and second cutters are adapted to sever sugarcane stalk. The first and second feeders are adapted to feed the severed sugarcane stalk. The cutter drive is coupled to the first cutter and the second cutter to rotate the first cutter and the second cutter respectively about the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. The feed drive is coupled to the first feeder and the second feeder to rotate the first feeder and the second feeder respectively about the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. The basecutter assembly may comprise a variator. According to another aspect, the basecutter assembly may comprise a planetary gear set.