Angled Spindle Castor Wheel for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Castor wheel assemblies in agricultural implements experience wobbling due to factors like weight balance, internal friction, and towing speed, which existing solutions like friction elements and spring-loaded brakes either wear out or increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A castor wheel assembly with a spindle having a longitudinal axis angled from a right-angle orientation to the frame plane, using an articulated parallel link structure and a castor mounting structure with a thrust washer and angled spindle to minimize oscillation, eliminating the need for complex damping systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction elements are used in the pivoting support to inhibit wobbling, then wobble inhibition is improved, but the friction elements wear over time reducing effectiveness and increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex friction-based damping system entirely and replaces it with a simplified angled spindle configuration. The spindle is positioned at an angle of 5-15 degrees relative to the vertical axis, which naturally provides wobble inhibition through geometric constraints rather than friction-based mechanisms, thereby eliminating wear issues and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the spindle orientation from a standard vertical alignment to an angled configuration (5-15 degrees from vertical). This parameter change fundamentally alters the kinematic behavior of the castor assembly, providing inherent wobble resistance through the angled geometry rather than requiring additional friction-based damping components
2Duration of action of stationary object
If spring loaded brake elements are used to provide consistent friction force, then wobble inhibition durability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates spring-loaded brake elements and all associated friction-based damping mechanisms. The angled spindle configuration provides durable, consistent wobble inhibition indefinitely without requiring additional components, thereby maintaining duration of action while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The angled spindle configuration is a passive, maintenance-free solution that provides continuous wobble inhibition without requiring external power sources, springs, or friction-based components. The geometric configuration itself performs the damping function indefinitely without wear or additional complexity
3Reliability
If friction mechanisms are used to inhibit wobble, then wobble damping is improved, but soil and debris accumulation diminishes effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all friction-based mechanisms that are susceptible to soil and debris accumulation. The angled spindle configuration provides wobble inhibition through geometric constraints that are not affected by contamination, thereby maintaining reliable performance in agricultural environments without the harmful effects of material accumulation
Data Source
AI summary
A castor wheel support for a towed agricultural implement having a frame positioned parallel to the soil over which the implement is towed. Parallel links interconnect the castor support with the frame. The castor support has a spindle with a longitudinal axis A for supporting a castor mounting structure for pivoting movement. The castor mounting structure supports an axle hub assembly and a wheel. The axis A of the spindle is angled forward 3 degrees to minimize wobbling.