Agricultural Blade Radial Ribs for Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural blades, such as tillage discs and coulters, are weak at points where the metal shape changes abruptly, leading to potential breakage under extreme forces like hitting rocks, making them unreliable for use in fields.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of radial ribs that extend farther radially inwardly than prior art discs and coulters, ensuring that forces applied to the outer periphery are transmitted effectively to a secure mounting apparatus, enhancing the blade's strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the blade uses conventional flat or simply bent configurations, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the blade is weak at points where the metal shape changes abruptly and is likely to break under extreme forces
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple segments or sections with different configurations. The blade includes a first section with a first configuration and a second section with a second configuration, allowing each section to be optimized for specific functions while distributing stress more effectively throughout the structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the blade are given different local configurations to optimize performance at specific locations. The first section has different geometric properties than the second section, allowing each area to handle the specific stresses and forces it encounters during operation
2Ease of operation
If the blade has abrupt shape changes to achieve cutting function, then the cutting performance is improved, but the blade becomes weaker at those abrupt change points
Solution Approach 1:
The blade incorporates flexible or resilient sections that can dynamically adjust to encountered obstacles. The blade can bend or deform elastically when hitting rocks or other hard objects, then return to its original shape, preventing permanent damage while maintaining cutting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The blade design includes features that anticipate and prepare for impact forces. By incorporating flexible sections and progressive deformation capabilities before reaching the weakest points, the blade can absorb impact energy from rocks and obstacles without breaking at the abrupt shape change points
Data Source
AI summary
A ground engaging agricultural tillage blade having a central opening adapted to be attached to an implement for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation; the blade having an outer periphery; and reinforcing flutes disposed in the plate from a location substantially at the outer periphery to a location adjacent the central opening. The blade can be used with a hub disposed around the central opening, a hub that covers at least a portion of the flutes or a spacer on a shaft extending through the central openings of adjacent blades, the spacers extending radially outwardly by a distance sufficient to place a portion of the spacer in abutment with at least a portion of the flutes.