Agricultural Support Structure for Consistent Spreading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal spreaders and field sprayers face challenges in maintaining a consistent spreading pattern due to vehicle movements and uneven fertilizer distribution, leading to inefficiencies in fertilizer application and spray distribution.

Innovation Solution

A support structure with a coupling frame and mounting frame that are movably coupled via a bearing device, equipped with an adjusting device controlled by sensors to maintain a horizontal alignment of the working device, ensuring optimal spreading or spraying patterns despite vehicle movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the centrifugal spreader is rigidly coupled to the tractor via three-point linkage, then the implement follows the tractor's pitching and rolling movements, but the spreading pattern becomes dependent on ground conditions and vehicle position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespreading pattern consistencyVSAvoiddependence on ground conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid three-point linkage with a support structure that enables relative movement between the implement and tractor. The mounting frame can pivot and adjust its position dynamically in response to tractor movements and ground conditions, allowing the spreading pattern to remain consistent regardless of vehicle position or terrain variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure acts as an intermediary between the tractor and the centrifugal spreader. It includes a coupling frame that attaches to the tractor and a mounting frame that holds the spreader, with bearing devices that allow controlled relative movement. This intermediary structure decouples the spreader from direct rigid connection to the tractor, enabling independent positioning to maintain optimal spreading patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the point of impact on the centrifugal disc changes due to uneven ballasting, then the spreading pattern is affected, but adjusting the ballasting is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespreading pattern consistencyVSAvoidballasting adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates sensors that automatically detect changes in implement position, inclination, or ballasting status. The system self-adjusts by triggering the adjusting device to modify the mounting frame position or ballasting configuration, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex adjustment procedures by the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the implement's position, inclination, and ballasting distribution. This information is fed back to the control system, which automatically adjusts the mounting frame position or ballasting to maintain optimal spreading conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that compensates for variations in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the mounting frame position is adjusted to compensate for vehicle movements, then the spreading pattern improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespreading pattern consistencyVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a coupling frame for tractor attachment, a mounting frame for holding the spreader, bearing devices for enabling relative movement, and an adjusting device for active position control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4477046A1Support structure for an agricultural implement for applying an agricultural item to a ground, implement with a support structure and method for applying an agricultural item
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 HORSCH LEEB APPLICATION SYSTEMS SE & CO KG
  • EP4477046A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4477046A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4477046A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A support structure (100) for an agricultural implement (200) for spreading an agricultural product (G) on soil (B) is disclosed, comprising: a coupling frame (110) configured for coupling to an agricultural carrier vehicle (300), a mounting frame (120) configured for mounting to the implement (200), wherein the coupling frame (110) and the mounting frame (120) are movably coupled relative to each other by means of a bearing device (130), and wherein the support structure (100) comprises an adjustment device (140) configured to adjust a defined position of the mounting frame (120) relative to the coupling frame (110) and/or to the soil (B) depending on at least one parameter.Furthermore, an agricultural implement (200) with a supporting structure (100) and a method for spreading an agricultural product (G) on soil (B) by means of an agricultural implement (200) are disclosed.