Adjustable Wheel Positioning for Agricultural Toolbar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seeding implements experience reduced crop yield due to soil compaction caused by ground engaging wheels, leading to inefficiencies in the seeding process.
Innovation Solution
A wheel position control system that adjusts the position of wheels relative to the toolbar assembly, allowing the wheels to engage or disengage from the soil surface, thereby reducing soil compaction and optimizing the seeding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If ground engaging wheels are positioned on both lateral sides of row units to support the toolbar assembly, then the toolbar assembly is supported while in lowered/working position, but soil compaction occurs on both lateral sides of the row unit causing pinch row and reduced crop yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wheel positions adjustable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically changes wheel positions based on operational mode: during seeding operations, wheels are positioned to avoid compaction zones, while during transport, wheels provide necessary support. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between needing stable support and avoiding soil compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wheel support function by introducing multiple independently controllable wheels along the toolbar assembly. Instead of a single fixed support structure, individual wheels can be positioned and controlled separately, allowing the system to provide support where needed while avoiding harmful compaction zones near row units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ground engaging wheels are used to support the toolbar assembly in both working and non-working positions, then the implement can transition between positions, but the wheels compact the soil reducing seeding efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic wheel positioning controlled by actuators and a control system. During seeding operations, wheels are positioned away from row units to prevent compaction. During transport or non-working positions, wheels are engaged to provide support. This dynamic adaptation maintains versatility while protecting seeding efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel positioning operates periodically based on operational requirements: wheels are engaged for support during transport phases and disengaged from compaction zones during seeding phases. This periodic adjustment of wheel engagement resolves the contradiction between needing support capability and maintaining seeding efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If multiple wheels are positioned along the toolbar assembly to provide support, then the toolbar can be supported in various positions, but the wheels create pinch rows that reduce crop yield
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors wheel positions and adjusts actuator commands to maintain optimal spacing between wheels and row units. Feedback mechanisms ensure wheels are positioned to provide necessary support while maintaining safe distances from row units to prevent pinch row formation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of position control and prevention of harmful compaction.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement system includes a toolbar assembly configured to support multiple row units, and multiple wheels configured to support the toolbar assembly. The wheels include a first wheel and a second wheel, and at least one row unit is configured to be disposed between the first wheel and the second wheel. The agricultural implement system also includes a wheel position control system configured to instruct first and second actuators to lower the first wheel and the second wheel to transition the agricultural implement system to a non-working position, to instruct the first and second actuators to raise the first wheel and the second wheel to transition the agricultural implement system to a working position, and to instruct the second actuator to raise the second wheel while the agricultural implement system is in the working position such that the second wheel is disengaged from a soil surface.