Bent-Paddle Irrigation Wheel Traction Lug

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation wheel systems often get stuck in muddy soil due to lack of sufficient traction, and existing lugs are inefficient as they capture mud and debris, reducing their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A bent-paddle irrigation wheel traction lug with a base and chains that attaches to the irrigation wheel, providing traction without the need for gussets, which can capture mud, and features a 'V' shaped paddle design that fits snugly between tire bars and around the wheel rim.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lugs with gussets are used on irrigation wheels, then structural support is provided, but mud and debris are captured reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction effectivenessVSAvoidmud and debris capture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the gusset component from the lug design. By extracting the problematic gusset that captures and holds mud, the patent eliminates the source of the harmful effect while maintaining the functional lug structure for providing traction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing lugs that push mud forward (which causes the wheel to get stuck), the patent inverts the approach by designing lugs that pull the wheel through mud using a bent-paddle configuration with chains, changing the direction and mechanism of force application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If straight paddle lugs are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but traction in muddy conditions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelug structure simplicityVSAvoidtraction in muddy soil

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the paddle design by bending it into an angled configuration rather than using a straight paddle. This curved/bent shape allows the lug to better engage with the ground surface and pull the wheel through mud, improving traction while remaining manufacturable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The bent-paddle design with chains creates a dynamic traction mechanism that can adapt to varying ground conditions. The angled paddle and chain configuration allows for more effective force application during wheel rotation in muddy conditions compared to static straight paddle designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If lugs with gussets are installed, then structural support is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to mud accumulation issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidlug component quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the gusset component from the lug assembly. This removal simplifies the overall device structure, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, while the bent-paddle and chain configuration provides the necessary structural support for traction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9636944B2Irrigation wheel traction lug

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 BAKER LANCE

AI summary

An irrigation wheel traction lug, comprising a lug having a bent-paddle, a base and a one or more chains. Said bent-paddle comprises a first side, a second side and a front portion. Said bent paddle comprises a substantially “V” shape when viewed from above. Said first side and said second side flare backward away from a front portion of said base portion toward a rear edge. and Said lug selectively attaching to an irrigation wheel, having a tread pattern and a rim, by placing said base on said treat pattern, wrapping said one or more chains around said irrigation wheel between said rim and said tread pattern, and securing said lug to said irrigation wheel with said base and said one or more chains.