Coulter Assembly Continuous Depth Adjustment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Typical coulter assemblies only allow for discrete adjustments of the gauge wheel, limiting the precision of coulter disk penetration depth, which can result in suboptimal fertilizer deposition in the soil and affect crop growth.
Innovation Solution
A continuously variable depth adjustment system that allows the gauge wheel's vertical position to be continuously adjusted, enabling any desired penetration depth of the coulter disk within its range of motion, facilitated by a support structure, a rotatable coulter disk, a pivotally coupled gauge wheel, and a depth adjustment assembly using a lever and linear actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gauge wheel is used to regulate coulter disk penetration depth, then the penetration depth can be controlled, but only discrete adjustments are possible which limits precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, discrete adjustment mechanism into a dynamic, continuous adjustment system. The gauge wheel is replaced with a depth adjustment assembly that includes a movable support structure capable of continuous vertical movement, allowing the coulter disk penetration depth to be adjusted continuously rather than in discrete steps. This dynamic system enables precise control of penetration depth while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adjustment parameter from discrete positional settings to continuous vertical position of the support structure. By varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel assembly continuously along the vertical axis, the system achieves precise control over coulter disk penetration depth. This parameter change enables any desired penetration depth within the range of motion to be selected, resolving the contradiction between precision and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete gauge wheel positions are used, then the structure is simple, but fertilizer deposition depth cannot be optimized for crop growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic depth adjustment system with a movable support structure that can be positioned continuously at any vertical location within its range of motion. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different fertilizer deposition depth requirements for various crop growth conditions, while the mechanical design maintains reasonable structural complexity through the use of a linear actuator and linkage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth adjustment assembly serves multiple functions: it controls coulter disk penetration depth, positions the gauge wheel for accurate depth indication, and enables continuous adjustment across the full range of operational depths. This multi-functionality achieves fertilizer deposition depth optimization without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same mechanical assembly performs all these functions integrated together.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A coulter assembly (12, 14) is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of a coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel (68) configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk (58) into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly (72) is coupled to the gauge wheel (68) and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk (58) by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel (68). This configuration may enable the coulter disk (58) to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.