Conical Shaft Disc Angle Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines with disc implements face challenges in adjusting the cutting angle to accommodate varying cultivation depths and crop types, with existing solutions being either insecure or complex and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A conical shaft with a form-tied and force-tied coupling to the arm, allowing for easy adjustment of the disc angle by rotating and locking the shaft in different positions, facilitated by a centrally fixed screw that can be loosened and tightened to change the working angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a locking screw is used to fasten the shaft in different angles, then the disc angle can be adjusted, but the device becomes insecure and the shaft can easily glide or the screw can break
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is given a substantially conical form instead of a cylindrical shape. This conical geometry provides form-tied and force-tied security against the lower end of the arm, preventing the shaft from gliding while allowing rotation to different angles. The conical shape creates a self-locking mechanism through friction and geometric constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft's geometric parameters are changed from a simple cylindrical form to a conical form with specific angle and dimensions. This parameter change enables the shaft to be secured in different angular positions while maintaining reliability, as the conical shape interacts with the corresponding conical hole in the arm to provide both rotation freedom and positional stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made rotatable to adjust disc angle, then angle variation is achieved, but the shaft jams after period of use due to soil, dirt and rust
Solution Approach 1:
The conical form of the shaft reduces contact surface area and optimizes the distribution of contact pressures. This geometric modification makes it easier to rotate the shaft even after period of use, as the conical geometry naturally sheds soil and dirt more effectively than a cylindrical shape, and the reduced contact area minimizes rust accumulation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking screw is extracted from the traditional radial threading through the hub and replaced by the conical geometry itself providing the locking function. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms that would accumulate dirt and require maintenance, while the conical shaft can be easily loosened by partially screwing out the centrally fixed screw.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustable angle device is provided, then the disc angle can be adjusted for different cultivation circumstances, but the device becomes complicated and costly to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is merged into the shaft and arm structure itself through the conical geometry. The conical shaft fitting into the conical hole in the arm combines the functions of angle adjustment, locking, and positioning into a single integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex adjustment devices with multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical shaft structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the adjustable angle capability, acts as the locking mechanism through friction and geometry, serves as the rotational element, and provides the structural connection between the disc and arm. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
4Volume of moving object
If the joint is made compact, then the machine can navigate through plant rests and soil more easily, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The conical geometry allows for a compact joint design while maintaining full adjustability. The tapered shape concentrates the adjustment mechanism into a smaller volume compared to cylindrical alternatives, as the conical interface provides mechanical advantage and locking force with reduced dimensional requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to a method for implement regulation for an agricultural machine (1) comprising a frame (2) and at least a with the frame connected, in the driving direction transferred row (a, b) of implements (3), preferably in the form of freely rotatable journaled discs (3), each disc being connected to an arm (10, 110), which is journaled at the frame (2). The method comprises that a hub (20, 120) of each disc (3, 103) is provided with at the middle of the hub a journalled bearing part (21b, 121b) of the shaft (21, 121), which at its other end has a coupling part (21a, 121a), the centre axis of which is angled an angle (β) in relation to the centre axis of the bearing part (21b, 121b), and in that the shaft is formed so that it corresponds to a form part (142) of an end portion (23, 123) of the arm (10, 110), whereby a form tied and force tied coupling can be achieved in at least two pre-determined positions by tightening a screw joint (30, 130).