Dynamically Adjustable Crop Planter Wheel for Real-Time Soil Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural planting systems require multiple types of planter wheels for different soil conditions, leading to inefficiencies and downtime due to the need for manual wheel changes and the limitations of specific wheel designs for varying conditions.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically adjustable crop planter wheel that can change its tooth pattern or configuration in real-time using sensors and actuators, allowing for optimal adaptation to unique soil characteristics and conditions, thereby improving efficiency and minimizing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of planter wheels are used for different soil conditions, then adaptability to various soil conditions is improved, but device complexity and time loss due to manual wheel changes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to soil conditionsVSAvoiddowntime for wheel changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly is designed with dynamically adjustable components including teeth that can be extended or retracted, and a wheel diameter that can be changed via hydraulic or electric actuators. This allows the single wheel to adapt its configuration in real-time to match different soil conditions without requiring manual replacement with multiple specialized wheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel assembly integrates multiple functions into a single component: it can operate as different wheel types (toothed wheel, closed wheel, disc) by adjusting its configuration. The universal wheel design incorporates adjustable teeth, variable diameter capabilities, and interchangeable components that enable it to perform the functions of multiple specialized wheels throughout the planting season.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of planter wheels are used for different soil conditions, then adaptability to various soil conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to soil conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of wheel selection and management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly incorporates sensors that automatically detect soil conditions and trigger appropriate configuration adjustments without operator intervention. The system self-regulates by sensing soil type, moisture content, and other parameters, then automatically adjusting tooth extension, wheel diameter, and other parameters to optimize performance for the detected conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If specific wheel designs are used for limited planting applications, then performance for specific conditions is improved, but adaptability to varying soil conditions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance consistencyVSAvoidrange of applicable conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly utilizes adjustable parameters including tooth extension length, wheel diameter, and tooth configuration to optimize performance for different soil conditions. By dynamically changing these parameters based on detected soil characteristics, the system maintains reliable seed-to-soil contact across varying conditions while adapting to the specific requirements of each soil type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual wheel changes are performed, then adaptability to soil conditions is improved, but productivity and throughput decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to soil conditionsVSAvoidplanting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11991948B1Dynamically adjustable crop planter wheel

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 ROBERTSON BRIAN G

AI summary

A dynamically adjustable crop planter wheel or disc that can modify its outer configuration or tooth pattern to automatically adjust to any style, shape, size, or configuration depending on specific soil characteristics in real-time, thereby improving planting efficiency and throughput and further minimizing or eliminating any downtime, among other advantages. In particular, the adjustable crop planter wheel can include a first plurality of members projecting from a central hub, wherein the first plurality of members are disposed in a concentric configuration. The planter wheel can further include one or more actuators in communication with the first plurality of members, wherein the actuators are configured to move each of the first plurality of members, and a controller in communication with the one or more actuators.