Adjustable Fertilizer Implement with Swing Arm Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fertilizer application implements struggle with precise placement in varying soil conditions due to statically mounted furrow forming discs that cannot be adjusted during operation, leading to inconsistent fertilizer depth and potential salt damage or ammonia toxicity.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fertilizer application implement with a pivotally connected swing arm and actuator system allows for real-time adjustment of disc depth, featuring offset and angled discs to form grooves for precise fertilizer placement, and includes remote operation for adjusting to changing soil conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If statically mounted furrow forming discs are used, then the implement structure is simple, but the fertilizer placement precision deteriorates due to inability to adjust for varying soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the disc depth adjustable during operation. The disc assembly is mounted on an adjustable frame that allows the depth of disc penetration to be modified in response to varying soil conditions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to changing environmental parameters while maintaining fertilizer placement precision.
2Device complexity
If fixed depth discs are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying soil conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable depth mechanism allows the implement to dynamically adapt to varying soil conditions. The frame and disc assembly can be repositioned during field operations to accommodate different soil types, moisture levels, and residue conditions, thereby enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized implements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing modification of the disc penetration depth parameter in response to changing soil conditions. This enables the same implement to effectively handle diverse agricultural conditions by adjusting key operational parameters rather than requiring fundamentally different device configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If discs are offset and angled outwardly, then the groove formation quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offset and outward angling of the discs creates localized soil compression and groove formation characteristics that are optimized for fertilizer placement. This local quality modification at the disc-soil interface improves groove definition and fertilizer containment without requiring complex overall device architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and consistent fertilizer placement across different soil conditions, improving plant health and crop yields by accommodating varying soil elevations and conditions, reducing the risk of salt damage and ammonia toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame
Implementation Method 2
A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm
Implementation Method 3
The disc of the preferred embodiment is concave and angled outwardly to squeeze the soil together to create a groove with a firm wall
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an agricultural implement for applying fertilizer beneath the surface of the soil. The implement has a main frame for connecting the agricultural implement to agricultural equipment. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame. An adjustable actuator interconnects the swing arm to the main frame to control the movement of the swing arm with respect to the main frame. A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement. The discs form grooves for receipt of fertilizer. Fertilizer tubes are mounted to the swing arms adjacent the discs. The fertilizer tubes deposit fertilizer in the grooves formed by the discs.