Adjustable Gang Angle Tillage Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical tillage machines with rotating coulters have limited ability to lift and move soil laterally, necessitating separate machines for spring seed bed preparation and fall residue management, as conventional disc-type machines are not suitable for light spring operations.
Innovation Solution
A versatile tillage machine with adjustable gang angle, allowing coulters to be set between zero degrees for vertical tillage and up to ten degrees for residue management, enabled by remote hydraulic adjustment and synchronized mechanical linkage for simultaneous front and rear gang movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertical tillage machines with rotating coulters are used for spring seed bed preparation, then light tillage and seed bed preparation are achieved, but the ability to lift and move soil laterally for residue management is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gang assembly is made dynamically adjustable between different angular positions relative to the machine frame. The gang can be positioned at zero degrees for vertical tillage operations in spring, and adjusted to oblique angles (up to ten degrees) for residue management operations in fall, allowing the same machine to adapt to different operational requirements throughout the year
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with universal functionality to perform both vertical tillage and residue management operations. By incorporating adjustable gang assemblies that can be positioned at different angles, a single machine replaces the need for separate vertical tillage machines and disc-type machines, serving multiple purposes across different seasons and operational needs
2Reliability
If separate machines are used for vertical tillage and residue management, then each machine is optimized for its specific function, but device complexity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of vertical tillage machines and disc-type residue management machines into a single integrated machine. The adjustable gang assembly combines the light tillage capability of vertical coulters with the soil-moving capability of oblique positioning, eliminating the need for operators to switch between separate machines and reducing overall fleet complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single machine is designed to universally perform both vertical tillage and residue management functions. The adjustable gang assemblies allow the machine to be configured for light spring operations or aggressive fall residue management, providing multi-functionality that reduces the number of machines needed while maintaining reliable performance for each specific operation type
3Device complexity
If fixed gang angle machines are used, then machine structure is simplified, but adaptability to varying tillage conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gang assembly is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the angle relative to the machine frame to be changed during operation. Hydraulic actuators enable the gang to be positioned at zero degrees for vertical tillage or adjusted to oblique angles up to ten degrees for residue management, providing adaptability to varying tillage conditions without overly complicating the machine structure
Solution Approach 2:
The machine allows changes in the gang angle parameter to adapt to different tillage conditions. By adjusting the angular position of the gang assembly between zero degrees and ten degrees, the machine can optimize its performance for different operational requirements such as light spring seed bed preparation or aggressive fall residue management
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 the same machine to perform both vertical tillage and aggressive residue management operations, improving soil incorporation and reducing the need for multiple machines by allowing on-the-go adjustments of gang angle for varying tillage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
adjustment of the gang assemblies is accomplished by suitable remotely operated actuators, and more particularly by hydraulic actuators
Implementation Method 2
mechanical linkage transmits the adjusting movement of the front gangs to a set of corresponding rear gangs to carry out simultaneous adjustment of both the front and rear gangs
Data Source
AI summary
A tillage implement has gang assemblies of rotatable tillage tools that can be angle-adjusted from the seat of the towing tractor using hydraulic actuators. The tillage tools may comprise generally flat, wavy coulter blades or the like so that the machine may be set up for vertical tillage with the coulters aligned at a zero degree angle with the path of travel of the implement or for residue management operations with the coulters maintained at an oblique angle of up to ten degrees relative to the path of travel. A six degree angle is preferred for the residue management position. A master-slave hydraulic flow arrangement for the actuators assures simultaneous actuation, while mechanical synchronizing apparatus between the two front gang assemblies on the center frame section of the machine assures synchronized movement of those assemblies. Mechanical motion-transmitting mechanism transmits the hydraulically powered adjusting movement of the front gang assemblies to the rear gang assemblies.