Windrow Chute Inversion for Self-Cleaning During Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crop material accumulation at the upper edge of the windrow chute in agricultural combines can lead to malfunction and plugging, requiring manual intervention that disrupts the harvesting process, especially in moist conditions.

Innovation Solution

The windrow chute is periodically rotated to an inverted position while the combine continues to operate, dislodging accumulated material without interrupting the harvesting process, and then returned to its lowered position for windrowing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the windrow chute is kept in lowered position for continuous windrowing, then harvesting productivity is maintained, but crop material accumulates on the chute causing malfunction and plugging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharvesting productivityVSAvoidchute operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The windrow chute is periodically rotated between lowered and inverted positions. During normal operation, the chute remains lowered for continuous windrowing. When material accumulation is detected or at predetermined intervals, the chute is rotated to inverted position for self-cleaning, then returned to lowered position. This periodic action maintains both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The windrow chute is rotated to an inverted position (upside down) to utilize gravity for dislodging accumulated crop material. The inverted position allows material to fall off the chute naturally, providing a simple and effective cleaning mechanism without requiring additional cleaning equipment or stopping the harvester.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the harvester stops to manually clean the windrow chute, then accumulated material is removed, but harvesting operation is interrupted and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechute clearanceVSAvoidharvesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The windrow chute performs its own cleaning function by rotating to inverted position, allowing gravity to dislodge accumulated material. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operator intervention or manual cleaning, maintaining continuous harvesting operation without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual cleaning process is replaced with an automated mechanical rotation system. The chute rotation mechanism, driven by the existing hydraulic or mechanical system, automatically positions the chute for self-cleaning without requiring operator action or additional manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the windrow chute is rotated to inverted position for clean out, then accumulated material is dislodged, but the harvesting process is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechute material removalVSAvoidharvesting continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The chute rotation for cleaning is performed periodically at predetermined intervals or when accumulation is detected, rather than continuously. This timing strategy allows the chute to be inverted and cleaned during brief windows without significantly interrupting harvesting, maintaining overall productivity while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 method allows for the removal of accumulated crop material without stopping the combine or interfering with windrowing, maintaining continuous harvesting and reducing the risk of chute plugging.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the windrow chute to an inverted position while continuing to operate the agricultural harvester; and rotating the windrow chute back to the lowered position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3219192B1Process for windrow chute clean out while operating an agricultural harvester

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 CNH IND BELGIUM NV

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AI summary

A spreader arrangement for an agricultural harvester includes a windrow chute having a first position for building a windrow in which the chute angles downwardly from a proximal edge to a distal edge of the chute, and a second position for cleanout of the chute in which the chute angles downwardly from the distal edge to the proximal edge of the chute. Adjustment from the first position to the second position and back to the first position can occur automatically when the combine is operating but not currently harvesting, such as during the time period between when a harvesting swath is completed and the next harvesting swath is commenced, so that accumulated crop residue material can be dislodged from the windrow chute without disrupting harvesting or the windrow building process.