Angled Projection Closing Wheel for Furrow Sidewall Breakdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closing wheels for agricultural planters fail to effectively break down sidewalls of seed furrows, leading to poor seed-to-soil contact and compromised seed germination due to soil compaction and hardening, and often bounce or lift above the field surface, resulting in incomplete furrow closure.
Innovation Solution
A closing wheel with a hub and rim featuring multiple series of projections extending outward, axially spaced and angled relative to the rotational axis, which engage with the soil to break down sidewalls and distribute soil consistently over the seed, while maintaining orientation parallel to the field surface to prevent bouncing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional closing wheels push or smear soil into the seed furrow, then the furrow closing function is attempted, but the sidewalls are hardened and soil compaction occurs, adversely impacting seed-to-soil contact
Solution Approach 1:
The closing wheel is segmented into multiple series of projections (first plurality and second plurality) extending radially from the rim, with each series spaced axially and extending in different directions. This segmentation allows different portions of the wheel to perform different functions: breaking down sidewalls and distributing soil without excessive compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the closing wheel have different projection configurations. The first plurality of projections extends in one direction while the second plurality extends in a different direction, creating local variations in soil engagement characteristics that prevent uniform hardening and compaction across the entire furrow sidewall.
2Reliability
If conventional closing wheels traverse uneven terrain, then they attempt to maintain contact with the field surface, but they bounce or lift above the surface, failing to contact portions of the soil and close the furrow
Solution Approach 1:
The closing wheel features projections that extend axially outward from the rim, creating a dynamic engagement with the soil that allows the wheel to maintain contact on uneven terrain. The axial extension of projections in multiple directions provides adaptability to terrain variations, preventing bouncing and lifting while maintaining reliable soil contact for furrow closing.
3Productivity
If conventional closing wheels apply force to push soil into the furrow, then closing action is attempted, but the pushing and smearing is insufficient to break down sidewalls or properly cover the seed
Solution Approach 1:
The closing wheel uses multiple series of projections arranged in different axial and radial positions to systematically break down sidewalls and distribute soil. This segmented approach provides both the force needed to break hard sidewalls and the precision to properly cover the seed with soil.
Solution Approach 2:
The projections extend axially outward from the rim in addition to radial extension, adding an axial dimension to soil engagement. This multi-dimensional configuration enables effective sidewall breakdown and precise seed coverage that single-direction projections cannot achieve.
Data Source
AI summary
A closing wheel for a planter is disclosed. The closing wheel includes a hub, a rim coupled to the hub and including a periphery, a first plurality of projections extending radially beyond the periphery, and a second plurality of projections extending radially beyond the periphery. The first plurality of projections and the second plurality of projections extend at least partially axially outward relative to the hub, and the first plurality of projections and the second plurality of projections extend at least partially in different directions.