Variable Side Shake Control for Grain Sieve Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesters face inefficiencies due to non-adjustable side-to-side shaking motion of sieve assemblies, which can lead to downhill pooling and mechanical wear, as existing systems do not account for specific crop types and field conditions, resulting in unnecessary movement and reduced capacity.
Innovation Solution
A control system that automatically adjusts the side-to-side shaking motion and cleaning fan speed based on the crop type and field conditions, using operator input, prepopulated menus, or automatic identification methods like RFID or GPS, to optimize the sieve assembly's operation and minimize mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If side-to-side shaking motion is applied to prevent downhill pooling, then grain separation efficiency is improved, but mechanical wear increases and capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable side-to-side shaking motion that dynamically adjusts based on detected side slope conditions and crop type. The system transitions from fixed, continuous shaking to adaptive, condition-based shaking, applying motion only when and where needed to prevent pooling while minimizing unnecessary mechanical stress and wear on sieve assembly components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of side-to-side shaking motion (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on detected conditions including side slope angle and crop type. By varying these parameters rather than applying constant shaking, the system optimizes grain separation efficiency while reducing mechanical wear from excessive or unnecessary motion.
2Productivity
If fixed side-to-side shaking motion is used, then pooling is prevented, but unnecessary movement occurs reducing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect side slope conditions and crop type, then self-adjusts the side-to-side shaking motion parameters without operator intervention. This self-service capability eliminates unnecessary shaking when conditions don't require it, preventing energy loss while maintaining grain separation capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed shaking motion into a dynamic system that responds in real-time to changing operational conditions. By continuously monitoring side slope and crop type, the system applies shaking motion only when necessary, eliminating wasted energy from unnecessary movement while maintaining adequate grain separation capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-adjustable shaking motion is applied, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different crop types and field conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensors and control systems. Instead of requiring manual mechanical adjustments for different crop types and field conditions, the system uses sensors to detect conditions and electronically controls shaking motion parameters, achieving high adaptability while keeping the physical mechanical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects crop type and field conditions using sensors and self-adjusts shaking motion parameters without operator intervention. This self-service capability provides adaptability to different conditions while minimizing the complexity of operator interfaces and control mechanisms required.
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
This solution ensures the necessary side-to-side shaking motion is applied only as required, preventing pooling and reducing mechanical wear, while optimizing grain separation efficiency and capacity according to specific crop and field conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fan directing an air flow stream upwardly and rearwardly through vertically arranged sieves which oscillate in a fore and aft manner. The air flow stream lifts and carries the lighter non-grain crop material towards the rear end of the combine
Implementation Method 2
side to side movement of the sieve assembly is required so as to prevent downhill pooling of the material and resultant reduction in capacity and/or efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural harvester has a chassis carrying a header removably attached to a feeder housing for gathering a type of crop and feeding it into the agricultural harvester. The feeder housing is connected to a threshing and separating system for separating grain from MOG, which leads to a grain cleaning system for cleaning the separated grain. The grain cleaning system has at least one sieve operable to oscillate fore and aft, and at least one cleaning fan. The grain cleaning system also has a side shaker mechanism operable to produce a side to side shaking motion. A control system is connected to the side shaker mechanism and is operable to automatically adjust the amount of side to side shaking motion on the basis of the type of crop and on the basis of the amount of side slope upon which the agricultural harvester is situated.