Windrow Chute with Independently Movable Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windrow chutes in agricultural harvesters lack the ability to adjust windrow placement, spacing, and width, leading to difficulties in collection, interference with other equipment, and inefficient residue distribution.
Innovation Solution
A windrow chute assembly with independently movable sections that can be adjusted to different positions and configurations, allowing for control over windrow placement, spacing, and width, featuring pivotable chute sections that can be aligned to form various angles and configurations to optimize residue deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the discharge velocity of windrow material is reduced by using a longer chute, then the material creates a fluffy windrow that rests on top of stubble, but the chute occupies a large amount of space on the rear of the combine
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is divided into multiple independently movable sections that can be adjusted to different positions. This segmentation allows the chute to achieve the necessary material discharge trajectory and velocity control without requiring a single long fixed chute, thereby reducing the overall space occupied while maintaining windrow placement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute sections are made dynamically adjustable during operation, allowing the operator to change the chute configuration to optimize material discharge. This dynamic capability enables the system to achieve effective windrow placement with a more compact overall structure compared to a fixed long chute.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the windrow width is increased to allow faster drying of crop residue, then the residue is spread over more area, but conventional chutes lack the ability to adjust windrow width
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is segmented into multiple independently adjustable sections that can be positioned at different angles and locations. This segmentation provides the adaptability to control windrow width by adjusting the relative positions of the sections, while avoiding the need for a completely complex redesign of the entire chute structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable chute sections serve multiple functions: they control windrow placement position, adjust windrow width, and manage material discharge velocity. This multi-functionality provides the needed adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Productivity
If the chute sections are made independently movable to control windrow placement and spacing, then collection efficiency improves, but the mechanism for adjusting and positioning the sections adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is divided into independently movable sections that can be adjusted to control windrow placement and spacing, directly improving collection efficiency. The segmentation itself enables the adjustment capability without requiring a single complex centralized control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute sections are designed to be easily adjustable, potentially by the operator during operation, without requiring complex automated control systems. This self-service approach improves productivity through better windrow placement while minimizing the complexity of adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A windrow chute assembly includes a plurality of movable chute sections. A first chute section has a first proximal end for receiving material, and a first distal end opposite the first proximal end. The second chute section has a second proximal end for receiving material, and a second distal end opposite the second proximal end. The first and second proximal ends define a transverse axis therebetween. The first and second chute sections are displaceable toward one another to a closed or partially closed configuration to control the width and placement of each windrow. The first and second chute sections are also displaceable away from one another to an open configuration to provide access to rear areas of the combine.