Combine

Design Discussion

Marcin

Modularity once again can be applied. Think of modular sickle bar; modular auger; modular threshing drum - i like your chain idea - and we know it works from our string trimmer (chain-on-shaft); fan module for chaff. Auger for ejection. No storage capacity - auger out that which falls through sieve, and doesn't get blown out by fan.

I assume you're thinking hydraulics - we're well familiar with this technology - and this is what allows the design to be modular with independent motors, and which allows LifeTrac to power it.

So can you simply start by identifying the components to use, possibly sourcing, and drawing up the modules in CAD? If we have them, we can start our authentic Modular Combine. Agricultural Combine Construction Set is the goal - making this technology available dirt cheap.

I see 5 hydraulic motors involved, $100 each. Plus metal, 500 at a dollar a pound, plus hoses and valves. Valves could be another $100 each for 5 of them. So $1500-$2k budget, and we have a combine that now allows any CSA to diversify to field crop production on the subacre per crop scale. That would be a breakthrough contribution to humanity, don't you think?

Marcin

Andrew

On Mon, Oct 25, 2010 at 12:48 PM, <andrew.roth.home@gmail.com> wrote:

   I'm familiar with combines, in fact I had a summer job assembling combine headers in college. But I wouldn't say I'm that familiar with the inner workings (threshing, sieves, etc.), so I'd need to do some research in that area.

   Designing a complete working combine would be a major undertaking, especially when it needs to be accomplished during free time. I have a friend who has a similar background and skill set as myself. I'll see if he would be interested in helping.

   Would this be a straight-cut header? Or would it be picking up a swath? What are the requirements for storage capacity and operating speed?

   I've seen videos of people using chains welded to a rod and spun with a drill inside a plastic bucket as a means of threshing. Perhaps something similar would work for this application.

   The deadline might be on the aggressive side, but I'll look into it some more.

   I just watched the video, it is very cool. This is definitely something I want to be a part of. I'll look into the True Fans thing as well.

   Regards,
   Andrew