Variable Stroke Sieve Drive for Harvester Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural harvesters face challenges in easily adjusting the sieve vibration during operation, resulting in static adjustments that do not accommodate varying crop conditions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A variable stroke sieve drive system is introduced, featuring a first and second concentric shaft with adjustable angular positions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the eccentric stroke to optimize sieve performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a static sieve drive system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the stroke cannot be adjusted during operation to accommodate varying crop conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying crop conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of sieve drive system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the sieve stroke to be varied during operation. The system uses a variable eccentricity mechanism with adjustable linkage geometry, enabling the operator to change the stroke length based on crop conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable without requiring complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of eccentricity in the drive mechanism to achieve variable stroke. By adjusting the eccentricity parameter through movable linkage elements and adjustable connection points, the system can modify its operational characteristics on-the-fly. This allows adaptation to different crop conditions while using a straightforward mechanical approach rather than complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the sieve stroke is fixed, then the mechanism is simple and reliable, but the separation efficiency cannot be optimized for changing field conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidease of adjusting sieve vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows operators to modify the sieve stroke during harvesting operations. The adjustable linkage system with movable connection points enables straightforward changes to the eccentricity, making it easy to optimize separation efficiency for different crop conditions without complex procedures or tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mechanism is segmented into adjustable components, including separate linkage elements with movable connection points. This segmentation allows individual adjustment of the eccentricity parameter by moving specific linkage components, making the adjustment process simple and straightforward while maintaining overall mechanism reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a variable stroke mechanism is added, then the adaptability to crop conditions improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of sieve strokeVSAvoidcomplexity of drive mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves variable stroke functionality by changing the eccentricity parameter in the existing drive mechanism rather than adding a completely new system. The adjustable linkage geometry with movable connection points allows parameter variation using simple mechanical adjustments, maintaining device simplicity while achieving the desired adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains the basic drive function while simultaneously enabling stroke variation. The same linkage components that transmit motion also provide the adjustment capability through movable connection points, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system enables easy variation of the sieve drive's stroke, reducing grain loss and enhancing the separation efficiency of grain from non-grain crop material, particularly in changing field conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The variable stroke sieve drive has a first shaft and a second shaft concentric with the first shaft. The relative angular position between the first shaft and the second shaft establish the amount of eccentricity of the variable stroke sieve drive.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2936966B1Variable stroke cleaning system drive in an agricultural harvester
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 CNH IND BELGIUM NV
  • EP2936966B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2936966B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2936966B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A cleaning section (26) of an agricultural harvester (10), the cleaning section (26) including a sieve (48) and at least one variable stroke sieve drive (76). The sieve (48) is positioned in the harvester (10) to receive crop material (72) from a threshing section (24). The at least one variable stroke sieve drive (76) is coupled to the sieve (48). The variable stroke sieve drive (76) has a first shaft (78) and a second shaft (80) concentric with the first shaft (78). The relative angular position between the first shaft (78) and the second shaft (80) establishes an amount of eccentricity of the variable stroke sieve drive (76).