Cam Gear Depth Adjustment for Seed Planting Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural seed planting systems face inefficiencies in adjusting the penetration depth of multiple seed planting units, leading to prolonged delays and decreased seeding efficiency due to the time-consuming process of varying the vertical position of packer wheels relative to openers.

Innovation Solution

A seed planting unit system with a depth adjustment assembly featuring a cam member and depth adjustment gear, allowing for simultaneous adjustment of penetration depth settings across multiple units via a common drive assembly, enabling quick reconfiguration of penetration depths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fastener is removed from one opening, the packer arm is rotated relative to the packer support structure, and the fastener is secured within another opening to adjust penetration depth, then the penetration depth setting is changed, but the process is time consuming and reduces seeding efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration depth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtime required for depth reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The packer arm is made dynamically adjustable through a depth adjustment assembly that allows continuous or stepless rotation of the packer arm relative to the packer support structure. The actuating member enables the operator to rotate the depth adjustment gear, which in turn rotates the cam member and adjusts the vertical position of the packer wheel, thereby varying the penetration depth setting without requiring fastener removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual fastener-based adjustment mechanism is replaced with a cam-and-gear mechanical system. The depth adjustment gear with interlocking engagement elements substitutes for the fastener, providing a more efficient mechanism for adjusting the packer arm angle and penetration depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple seed planting units are equipped with individual depth adjustment mechanisms, then each unit can be adjusted independently, but the overall adjustment process time is multiplied by the number of openers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual depth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidseeding operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The depth adjustment assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can be applied to multiple seed planting units across the agricultural implement. Each unit shares the same cam member and depth adjustment gear design, allowing for consistent penetration depth settings across all openers while maintaining individual adjustability through the actuating member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system significantly reduces the time required to adjust penetration depths, enhancing seeding efficiency by allowing for rapid changes in soil engagement settings across multiple seed planting units.

Implementation Method 1

The cam member may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of the wheel relative to the ground engaging tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

The depth adjustment gear and the actuating member may include interlocking engagement elements, such that when the actuating member is rotated, the cam member is rotated relative to the support structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

a wheel configured to be rotatably supported by the wheel support arm and to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact and support: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10827671B2Depth adjustment system for seed planting units of an agricultural implement and related assemblies

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a depth adjustment assembly having a cam member and a depth adjustment gear rotatably coupled to the cam member. The cam member may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of a wheel of the unit relative to a ground engaging tool of the unit. The seed planting unit may also include an actuating member configured to rotationally drive the depth adjustment gear. The depth adjustment gear and the actuating member include interlocking engagement elements, such that when the actuating member is rotated, the cam member is rotated relative to the support structure to vary the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.