Angled Disc and Wedge Opener for Narrow Trench Seed Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming furrows for planting seeds often result in wide trenches that can disrupt the orientation of seeds, leading to inefficient seed placement and potential movement within the trench.
Innovation Solution
A disc and wedge opener system where the disc is angled between 0° to 10° and a wedge is used adjacent to the disc, creating a narrower trench that allows seeds to be placed in the same orientation, utilizing a seed orientation coil assembly to position seeds correctly behind the wedge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wide trench is created using traditional methods (double disc opener, single disc opener, or seed boots), then the trench can easily accommodate seed placement, but the trench width causes seed orientation disruption and seed movement within the trench
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the trench by using a wedge-shaped opener with specific angle configurations (wedge angle between 10-45 degrees) to create a narrower trench profile. This parameter change allows the trench to accommodate seeds while maintaining their orientation, resolving the contradiction between ease of placement and orientation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The trench formation process is segmented into two distinct functions: the wedge-shaped opener creates the trench geometry, while the V-shaped disc follows to refine the trench walls. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, with the wedge controlling trench width and the disc ensuring proper wall formation, thereby maintaining seed orientation while facilitating placement
2Manufacturing precision
If a narrower trench is created using a wedge opener, then seed orientation is maintained and seed movement is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the additional wedge component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trench creation function and the orientation maintenance function into a single integrated wedge-shaped opener design. The wedge geometry itself (with its specific angle relationships) simultaneously defines the trench width and guides seed orientation, eliminating the need for separate orientation mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision
3Manufacturing precision
If the disc is angled between 0° to 10° relative to vertical, then a narrower trench is formed that maintains seed orientation, but the force required to cut through the soil increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opener system uses composite geometry combining a wedge shape with a V-shaped disc at a specific angle (0-10 degrees from vertical). This composite structure distributes the cutting force: the wedge portion handles the initial soil penetration and trench width definition, while the angled disc portion refines the trench walls with reduced force requirements, achieving both precision and force efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A trench opener having a row unit comprising a frame and a shank; a disc rotatingly attached to the frame, wherein the disc has an angle α from vertical greater than zero degrees to 10 degrees; a wedge attached to the shank, the wedge having a disc facing side that is parallel with the disc, a second side opposite the disc facing side, wherein the second side is perpendicular to a ground surface, and a leading edge.