Adjustable Plough Support Strut for Mould Board Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural ploughs face challenges in adapting to varying soil types, moisture conditions, and tractor speeds due to the inability to dynamically adjust the shape of the mould board, which affects ploughing efficiency and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural machine system with an adjustable support strut equipped with a powered actuating mechanism, allowing the distance between attachment points to be dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions, thereby modifying the mould board's shape to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mould board shape is fixed, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the plough cannot adapt to different soil types and working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The support strut is designed with adjustable length capability, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one. The powered actuating mechanism enables the strut length to be varied during operation, allowing the mould board shape to be modified in real-time according to soil conditions and working parameters, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the support strut (its length) to modify the mould board's shape. By adjusting the strut length via the powered actuating mechanism, the curvature and angle of the mould board are altered, enabling adaptation to different soil types and working conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If the mould board shape is adjusted for different conditions, then ploughing efficiency improves, but additional space and cost are required for adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support strut serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement to the mould board, acts as a lever to modify the mould board shape, and serves as a mounting point for the powered actuating mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby minimizing additional space and cost while improving ploughing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered actuating mechanism is integrated within or alongside the support strut structure. The actuator is positioned such that it utilizes the existing strut space, and the strut itself becomes part of the adjustment system rather than requiring separate dedicated components. This nesting approach minimizes additional space requirements while enabling shape adjustment for improved productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support strut length is fixed, then the assembly is simple and reliable, but the mould board cannot be optimized for varying tractor speeds and moisture conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The support strut length is made dynamically adjustable through the powered actuating mechanism, allowing the mould board shape to be optimized for current working conditions such as tractor speed and soil moisture. This dynamic adaptation reduces ploughing resistance and drag, thereby lowering fuel consumption compared to a fixed strut design that cannot be optimized for varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect working conditions (soil moisture, ploughing depth, tractor speed) and provide feedback to the control device. Based on this feedback, the powered actuating mechanism automatically adjusts the support strut length to optimize the mould board shape, minimizing drag and fuel consumption for the current operating conditions.
4Loss of energy
If the mould board shape is modified by adjusting the support strut, then drag and fuel consumption are reduced, but the attachment points and actuating mechanism add structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment points serve dual purposes: they secure the support strut to the mould board and plough structure for structural support, and they serve as pivot points for the powered actuating mechanism to modify the mould board shape. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing structural complexity while achieving reduced drag and fuel consumption through shape optimization.
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
The system enhances ploughing efficiency by adapting the mould board's shape to different conditions, reducing drag and fuel consumption, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and minimal additional space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The support strut further comprises an adjustment means that is adapted to increase or decrease the distance between the two attachment points and comprises a powered actuating mechanism to effect said increase or decrease
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural machine system comprising a plough (1) with at least one plough body (2), which plough body comprises a mould board (20). The board is provided with at least one support strut (30) that is attached on the backside of the mould board (20) at a first attachment point (32) and to another part of the plough (1) at a second attachment point. The system further comprises adjustment means (34) adapted to increase or decrease the distance between the two attachment points (32, 33) and a powered actuating mechanism (35).