Vertically Pivoting Spreader Deflector for Crop Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spreader arrangements on agricultural harvesters face challenges in achieving even distribution of crop residue across the full width of the header, especially when adjusting speed, leading to uneven material distribution and accumulation of crop material in sliding joints.
Innovation Solution
A set of deflectors mounted between horizontal spreader discs, which can be vertically and laterally pivoted to control the spread distance and distribution, allowing for independent adjustment to account for cross winds and speed changes, creating space in the center for wider distribution or forcing material to spread wider and less at the center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional deflectors are placed on the outside of the spreaders and pivot laterally to restrict the spread area, then the spread width can be controlled, but the material distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from lateral pivoting (horizontal dimension) to vertical pivoting (vertical dimension) of the deflector. This dimensional change allows the deflector to control material distribution by angling upward or downward, creating space in the center or forcing material wider without the uneven distribution problems caused by lateral pivoting deflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector acts as an intermediary element positioned between the spreader discs and the field. By vertically pivoting, it mediates the flow of material, selectively blocking or directing material flow to achieve even distribution across the spread width while maintaining control over spread area.
2Length of moving object
If the spreader speed is slowed to spread to a narrower width, then the spread area is reduced, but the material in the center increases without an adjustment point
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed with vertical pivoting capability, making it a dynamic component that can adjust its angle during operation. This allows real-time adjustment of material distribution independent of spreader speed changes, providing an adjustment point to control center material accumulation regardless of operating speed or spread width.
3Manufacturing precision
If a center mounted deflector slides up and down to control the amount of material in the center, then the center material distribution can be adjusted, but the sliding joint accumulates crop material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the vertical sliding mechanism (vertical linear motion) and replaces it with a vertical pivoting mechanism (angular motion). This dimensional change from linear to angular movement removes the sliding joint that accumulates crop material, while still achieving vertical adjustment of the deflector to control center material distribution.
4Length of moving object
If conventional deflectors are used to influence the distance of the spread, then the spread distance can be controlled, but the overall distribution remains uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed to wrap around a portion of the spreader disc starting in the center, creating different local effects. The vertical pivoting allows selective control of material flow at different radial positions, with the ability to create space in the center or force material wider, achieving both spread distance control and uniform distribution through localized quality adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader arrangement for an agricultural harvester includes a frame, a pair of spreader discs carried by the frame, and a material deflector. The spreader discs are generally horizontally arranged and rotatable in a counter rotating manner. The material deflector includes at least one deflector arm and a vertical pivoting mechanism interconnecting the at least one deflector arm with the frame.