Bolt-On Planter Weight Transfer for Long Tool Bar Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In no-till farming systems, the weight distribution issues on long tool bars lead to inconsistencies in seed trough formation and seed planting depth due to uneven weight distribution, causing complications such as soil compaction and improper seed placement, especially at the ends of the tool bar farthest from the tractor.

Innovation Solution

A bolt-on, removably installable row planter tool bar weight transfer system that uses bracket assemblies and a mechanical actuator to adjust weight distribution along the tool bar, ensuring even engagement with the soil and consistent seed placement across all rows without requiring welding or modification of the tool bar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of planting rows is increased to expand farming capacity, then productivity is improved, but weight distribution becomes uneven causing seed placement inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of planting rowsVSAvoidseed placement depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies counterweight by positioning weight transfer devices with masses that compensate for the weight deficiency at the ends of the tool bar. These counterweights create opposing forces to balance the uneven weight distribution caused by having multiple planting rows on a long tool bar, thereby maintaining consistent seed placement depth across all rows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The weight transfer devices are adjusted and positioned before planting operations to pre-establish proper weight distribution. This preliminary adjustment ensures that the tool bar maintains correct engagement with the ground and consistent seed placement depth throughout the planting process, preventing problems rather than correcting them during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If weight is concentrated at the center of the tool bar, then structural stability is improved, but seed trough formation becomes inconsistent at the ends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool bar structural stabilityVSAvoidseed trough formation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing weight transfer devices only at specific locations (the ends of the tool bar) rather than uniformly distributing weight throughout. This localized weight addition addresses the specific problem of inconsistent seed trough formation at the ends while preserving the central structural stability of the tool bar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The weight transfer devices act as intermediaries between the tool bar structure and the ground reaction forces. These devices transfer weight from the ground upward to the tool bar ends, mediating the force distribution to achieve both structural stability and consistent seed trough formation across the entire tool bar length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If existing weight transfer systems are welded to the tool bar, then weight distribution is improved, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight distribution uniformityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The weight transfer system is segmented into separate, modular components that can be independently adjusted and positioned. The weight transfer devices are distinct from the tool bar structure itself, allowing them to be installed, adjusted, and removed without permanent modification to the tool bar, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining effective weight distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the tool bar length is increased to accommodate more rows, then productivity is improved, but weight at the ends decreases causing planting depth variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of planting rowsVSAvoidweight at tool bar ends

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentUS11832546B2System, method, and apparatus for planter weight transfer

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 MARTIN RONALD STEVE

AI summary

An removably installable apparatus and system for managing weight transfer along a tractor drawn tool bar for use in row planting systems is provided. The planter weight transfer system comprises first and second bolt-on bracket assemblies, each bolt-on bracket assembly comprising a primary plate and a secondary plate secured to each other and to a row planter tool bar by a set of fasteners. Additionally, the bolt-on brackets are joined at the top by an actuator which applies a force on the brackets.