Agricultural Burying Unit Depth Adjustment via Reference Device Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural product burial systems are cumbersome and tedious to adjust, particularly in terms of depth setting, as they require manual adjustment of springs and gauges, which can lead to unpredictable earthing forces and increased complexity when dealing with multiple rows.
Innovation Solution
A burial unit with a reference device that applies weight to the burying device to promote sinking, combined with an adjustable second pressing force application means, such as an elastic member, allowing for simplified depth adjustment and consistent pressure regardless of depth setting, thereby reducing the need for additional support forces and facilitating easier operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring is used to apply sinking force to the burying device, then the burying device can be pressed into the ground, but the spring becomes massive and complex to ensure reliable contact at the desired depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the weight of the reference device itself as a counterbalance to apply the necessary sinking force. Instead of adding a separate massive spring, the design leverages the existing mass of the reference device (which includes the gauge wheel and mounting structure) to press the burying device into the ground, thereby eliminating the need for additional heavy spring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference device serves dual functions: it acts as both the depth reference (via the gauge wheel) and the force application mechanism (via its weight). This self-service approach eliminates the need for a separate force application system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sinking force.
2Manufacturing precision
If the depth adjustment is changed by playing the stops, then the arm angularly displaces, but the spring orientation and compression change, causing the earthing force to evolve in an undesirable manner
Solution Approach 1:
By using the reference device's weight rather than a spring, the system eliminates the problem of variable force during depth adjustment. The gravitational force on the reference device remains constant regardless of arm position or gauge wheel contact, providing consistent earthing force throughout the adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active force application mechanism (spring) that requires careful maintenance of force consistency, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive force application mechanism (weight). This inversion transforms a problem of force control into a problem of simple mass distribution, where the force remains naturally consistent.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of springs and gauges is required, then depth setting can be changed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The reference device automatically maintains the correct sinking force through its weight, eliminating the need for manual spring adjustment. The operator simply needs to set the depth stop position, and the system self-regulates the force application, making the operation simpler and less tedious.
4Device complexity
If the reference device is mounted articulated on a fixed reference, then the structure can be simplified, but additional support forces may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated mounting allows the reference device's weight to act as an effective counterweight that provides both the sinking force and the necessary support force in a single integrated structure. The articulation point serves as the pivot where the weight creates the appropriate moment to press the burying device into the ground without requiring additional support mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables more reliable and predictable depth adjustment, reducing user effort and complexity, as the weight of the reference device aids in sinking the burial device, allowing for lighter and more compact support structures, and maintaining consistent pressure across varying depths.
Implementation Method 1
the reference device being configured to weigh on the burying device in the working configuration, the reference device forming means for applying pressing force on the burying device
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable second pressing force application means, such as an elastic member, allowing for simplified depth adjustment and consistent pressure regardless of depth setting
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural product burying unit for an agricultural machine, configured to be fixedly mounted relative to the agricultural machine, the burying unit comprising a reference device (40, 41), a burying device (50), the reference device (40, 41) being configured to rest on the ground in the working configuration and form a depth positioning reference for the burying device, the burying device (50) being configured to bury an agricultural product in the working configuration, the reference device (40, 41) being configured to be articulated directly onto a fixed reference (11, 12) relative to the agricultural machine, characterized in that the reference device (40, 41) is configured to exert a force (P) on the burying device (50) in the working configuration, the reference device (40,41) forming the first means of applying bearing force to the burial device (50).