Adjustable Ground Engaging Tool Spacing Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements face challenges in efficiently adjusting the spacing between ground engaging tools, which can lead to inadequate tillage due to material accumulation, requiring time-consuming manual intervention and spacer replacements.
Innovation Solution
A system with biasing elements and an actuator that adjusts the spacing between ground engaging tools, such as disks, using a computing device to maintain uniform inter-tool spacing and manage material accumulation by varying the biasing force, allowing for automatic adjustments based on user input or sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spacers are replaced to alter tool spacing, then the spacing between disks can be changed, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an actuator to dynamically adjust the spacing between ground engaging tools by moving the shaft longitudinally, replacing the static spacer-based system with a dynamic adjustment mechanism that can change spacing without physical component replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical spacer replacement system is replaced with an actuated mechanical system that uses an actuator to move the shaft and adjust tool spacing, eliminating the need to physically replace spacers while maintaining the ability to alter spacing configurations
2Reliability
If manual removal of material accumulation is performed, then disk blade operation can be restored, but operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects material accumulation using sensors and responds by adjusting the tool spacing via the actuator, enabling the system to self-correct without manual intervention and maintain continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors provide feedback on material accumulation between disk blades, which triggers automatic adjustment of the shaft position and tool spacing through the actuator, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal operation without manual intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform inter-tool spacing is maintained during width adjustment, then tool distribution is optimized, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Biasing elements are introduced as intermediary components between adjacent ground engaging tools to maintain uniform spacing. These elements act as mediators that automatically enforce equal spacing distribution as the shaft moves, simplifying the control mechanism while ensuring precision
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
This solution enables efficient and automated adjustment of tool spacing, reducing material accumulation and improving tillage performance without the need for manual spacer changes, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
Each biasing element is configured to apply a biasing force against its respective pair of adjacent tools such that an inter-tool spacing between each respective pair of adjacent tools is maintained substantially uniform
Implementation Method 2
an actuator configured to actuate the first end tool relative to the second end tool between a first tool position and a second tool position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for adjusting the spacing between ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools including a first end tool, a second end tool, and at least one intermediate tool positioned between the first and second end tools, with an adjustable ground engaging width being defined between the first and second end tools. The system further includes a biasing element positioned between each respective pair of adjacent engaging tools and configured to apply a biasing force against its respective pair of adjacent tools such that an inter-tool spacing between each respective pair of adjacent tools is maintained substantially uniform across the plurality of ground engaging tools as the ground engaging width is adjusted.