Variable Cross-Section Helicoidal Lift for Sugar Cane Harvester Row Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current row dividers in sugar cane harvesters lack sufficient acceleration to efficiently separate and direct sugar cane, leading to material accumulation and clogging issues, which reduces productivity and increases the risk of harvester inlet blockage.
Innovation Solution
A row divider with a helicoidal lift featuring a conical geometry with variable cross-section and opposing screw threads, where the second segment has a larger angle and diameter, providing increased peripheral speed and efficient direction of sugar cane, and integrating the engine within the structure for space-saving and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional helicoidal lift with constant cross-section is used, then the structure is simple, but the peripheral speed is insufficient causing material accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The helicoidal lift transitions from a static constant cross-section structure to a dynamic variable cross-section structure. The conical geometry with increasing diameter along the rotation direction enables the peripheral speed to vary dynamically, providing lower speed at the inlet for gentle material intake and higher speed at the outlet for efficient material ejection, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed requirement and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the helicoidal lift by introducing a variable cross-section conical design. The diameter and cross-sectional area of the helicoidal lift are changed along its length, which directly affects the peripheral speed parameter. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both gentle material handling at the inlet and high-speed ejection at the outlet without requiring multiple separate components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is mounted externally, then installation is easier, but it is exposed to external agents like cane straw and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engine with the helicoidal lift structure by integrating the engine into the conical cavity of the helicoidal lift. This combination allows the engine to be protected from external harmful factors while still functioning effectively. The engine is positioned within the hollow interior of the conical structure, creating a unified assembly that reduces exposure to cane straw, dust, and other environmental contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine is nested within the conical cavity of the helicoidal lift structure. This nesting arrangement places the engine inside the protective envelope of the helicoidal lift, shielding it from external agents. The compact nested design also optimizes space utilization and protects the engine components from damage while maintaining ease of access for maintenance through the hollow interior space.
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
Enhances sugar cane separation and direction efficiency, preventing material accumulation and improving harvester productivity by increasing peripheral speed and protecting the engine from external agents.
Implementation Method 1
a helicoidal lift with a conical geometry of variable cross section around an imaginary central axis and having a first segment and a second segment. The first segment establishes a first generatrix that defines an angle alpha to the central axis and has a first screw thread in its outer surface. The second segment establishes a second generatrix that defines an angle beta to the central axis, so that beta has a higher value than alpha, and comprises a second screw thread, which is oriented in the opposite direction of the first screw thread
Data Source
AI summary
The objective of the present invention is achieved by means of a row divider (1) applied to a sugar cane harvester (100). Said device (1) comprises at least one helicoidal lift (2) connected to an engine. Said helicoidal lift (2) has a conical shape geometry of variable cross section around an imaginary central axis (102), and comprises a first segment (3) and a second segment (4). The first segment (3) establishes a first generatrix (5) which defines an angle a to the central axis (102) and comprises a first screw thread (6) in its outer surface. The second segment (4) establishes a second generatrix (7) which defines an angle β to the central axis (102), so that β has a greater value than a. Said second segment (4) comprises a second screw thread (8) in its surface, which is oriented in the opposite direction of the first screw thread (6). Said device provides a higher peripheral speed in the last stage of separation and direction of the sugar cane cut by the blades of a sugar cane harvester (100) and lifted by the first segment (3) of the helicoidal lift (2) of a row divider (1). This aims to facilitate and expedite the work of the harvester (100), since it prevents the accumulation of material improperly positioned at the mouth of the harvester (100).