Advanced Combine Harvester Concave Support System
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Concave support and adjustment system for combine harvester', provided a rotary threshing system for combine harvesters. However, it had limitations in terms of concave set rotation, gap control, and maintenance. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing novel solutions for self-leveling hydraulic suspension, real-time crop condition monitoring, adjustable concave-to-rotor gap control, modular quick-release attachment mechanisms, and predictive maintenance.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present invention's novelty lies in its integration of advanced technologies, such as self-leveling hydraulic suspension, real-time crop condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance, to create a more efficient, reliable, and maintainable concave support and adjustment system. The inventive step is in the combination of these features, which provides a significant improvement over the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of alternative suspension systems, such as pneumatic or electromagnetic suspension. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other agricultural harvesting applications, such as forage harvesters or sugarcane harvesters.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced concave support and adjustment system has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in the combine harvester market. The system's ability to improve threshing efficiency, reduce grain loss, and increase overall system reliability makes it an attractive solution for farmers and agricultural companies seeking to increase their productivity and reduce their costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A01 | A01F12/28 |
| A | A01 | A01F12/26 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Agricultural machinery, specifically combine harvester threshing systems, involving mechanical engineering, agricultural equipment design, and harvesting technology with expertise in rotary threshing mechanisms and concave adjustment systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years experience in agricultural equipment design, familiar with combine harvester technologies, hydraulic suspension systems, and advanced agricultural machinery control mechanisms
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core concave adjustment system. The proposed self-leveling hydraulic suspension and real-time monitoring are logical engineering improvements that apply standard control system principles to the existing rotary threshing technology. These variations represent incremental advancements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize combine harvester performance.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,893 |
|---|---|
| Title | Concave support and adjusment system for combine harvester |
| Assignee(s) | AGCO Corporation |