Design of an adjustable chassis for a track type combine harvester

Abstract

The combine harvester, a versatile machine for harvesting various crops, has evolved to address specific challenges. In India, wheel-type harvesters were once common but struggled in muddy conditions, leading to the rise of track-type harvesters with better traction and maneuverability. However, these new machines faced breakdowns on uneven terrain, disrupting harvest schedules and causing financial losses. To tackle this, a solution was proposed: an adjustable chassis for track-type harvesters. This innovative design aimed to lift and level the chassis, enhancing stability and performance. Four hydraulic cylinders were installed between the chassis frame and walking device to achieve this. Mathematical models were developed to guide the mechanism’s design, ensuring optimal height and transverse tilt adjustments. Hydraulic components were carefully selected based on force calculations, with a MATLAB Simulink circuit designed for performance analysis.A virtual model of the adjustable chassis was created using CATIA software and imported into ADAMS simulation software to assess its attitude. Numerical validation in ANSYS software confirmed the design’s safety and feasibility. The height adjustment range was 0–245 mm, and the transverse tilt adjustment range was 0 ± 15.2° for a piston extension length of 0–100 mm. During simulation, the maximum pressure exerted by the pump was 100 bar, with hydraulic cylinders exerting a maximum force of 43.2 kN over 40 s. ADAMS simulation revealed maximum height adjustment and transverse tilt of 243 mm and 15.2°, respectively, under specific driving parameters.The designed lifting chassis exhibited a maximum displacement of 2.7 mm and a maximum stress of 394 MPa, with a safety factor of 1.94, indicating suitability for real-world applications. This solution promises to improve the efficiency and reliability of track-type combine harvesters, mitigating breakdowns and optimizing harvest operations.

Keywords:

• Track type combine harvester
• lifting and leveling mechanism
• CATIA
• MATLAB simulink analysis
• ADAMS analysis
• ANSYS finite element analysis

REVIEWING EDITOR:

• Pham D T, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

SUBJECTS:

• Mechanical Engineering Design
• Technology
• Mechanics
• Dynamics & Kinematics

Authors contribution

1. Ayan Paul – Conception and Design; Analysis and Interpretation of Data; Drafting of the article; Critical Revision for Intellectual Content; Final Approval of the Version to be Published; Accountable for All Aspects of the Work.

2. Rajendra Machavaram – Conception and Design; Critical Revision for Intellectual Content; Final Approval of the Version to be Published; Accountable for All Aspects of the Work.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript. Each author believes that the manuscript represents honest work, and all authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Availability of data and material

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

I, Ayan Paul, hereby disclose that the research work titled ‘Design of an adjustable chassis for track type combine harvester’ was conducted during my M.Tech. student project internship at Claas India Private Limited. Major financial support for this project was provided by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India. Therefore, there exists a financial competing interest due to the funding received from both Claas India Private Limited and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. However, I affirm that this support did not influence the objectivity, integrity or impartiality of the research findings presented in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The major financial support was received from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India and the research was done as a part of student project internship at Claas India Private Limited.

Notes on contributors

Ayan Paul

Ayan Paul, am currently a research scholar specializing in the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. My research focus lies in the domain of harvesting, particularly in conjunction with computer vision and robotics, as evidenced by the subject matter of the research paper. I express gratitude to my supervisor, Prof. Rajendra Machavaram, who serves as a coauthor on this research.

Rajendra Machavaram

Rajendra Machavaram holds the position of Associate Professor within the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department at IIT Kharagpur. His research interests encompass Farm Power and Renewable Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Evolutionary Algorithms, Machine Design, and Structural Engineering Optimization.