Agricultural Implement Steering Devices for Track Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements struggle to maintain precision when working in fields with pre-prepared tracks, especially in curves and on lateral slopes, due to gravitational forces pulling them off course.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a transverse boom with at least two steering devices attached at its ends, featuring a coulter and track following wheels, which provide quick response and firm guidance by applying lateral tensions to keep the implement aligned with the track, and are adjustable to handle obstacles and maintain contact with the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single steering device is used at the front of the implement, then the structure is simple, but the implement cannot maintain precise tracking when driving through curves or on lateral slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The single steering device is segmented into two separate steering devices, one positioned at each end of the boom. This segmentation allows each steering device to independently respond to lateral forces and track the furrow, improving overall tracking precision especially when driving through curves or on lateral slopes.
Solution Approach 2:
Each steering device is locally optimized for its position at the ends of the boom, where they can independently apply lateral tensions to counteract gravitational forces pulling the implement sideways. This local quality approach allows precise tracking without requiring a complex centralized steering system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the steering devices are positioned at the ends of the boom, then lateral tensions can be applied to keep the implement aligned, but the response time to track changes must be very quick
Solution Approach 1:
The steering devices are designed to be self-regulating through their mechanical coupling to the boom and their position at the ends. When the implement diverges from the track, the steering devices automatically generate lateral tensions through their coupling mechanism, providing quick response without requiring external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering devices incorporate dynamic elements that allow them to quickly adapt to changes in track direction and gravitational forces. The mechanical coupling and positioning enable the steering devices to respond rapidly to lateral forces and adjust the implement's orientation accordingly.
3Reliability
If the coulter and track following means are fixed, then the structure is simple, but they cannot handle obstacles or maintain contact with the track in challenging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The coulter and track following means are made adjustable rather than fixed. The coulter can be adjusted to handle obstacles and the track following means can be adjusted to maintain contact with the track under varying conditions. This adjustability improves reliability without requiring overly complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering devices allow for parameter changes in the position and orientation of the coulter and track following means. These parameter adjustments enable the system to adapt to different field conditions, obstacle heights, and track variations, maintaining reliable contact with the track while handling obstacles effectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural implement (5) for use in a field comprising pre-prepared tracks, such as furrows and/or ridges (7), comprises a tool carrying transverse boom (9) carrying a plurality of field working tools (11), said boom (9) comprising a coupling device for attachment to a load carrying vehicle (1), and a track following steering device (15), whereby at least two such steering devices (15) are attached to said boom (9), whereby at either end of the boom (9) a steering device (15) is provided, said steering device (15) being attached to the boom (9) to be rotatable around a first vertical axis, said steering device comprising a coulter extending in a vertical plane and a steering arm (29) extending parallel to said vertical plane to a front end carrying a track following means (37).