Deformable Sub-Frame Soil Cultator for Real-Time Row Spacing Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil cultivators for mechanical weed control require frequent interruptions to adjust the distance between cultivator sweeps and harrow tines, making the process time-consuming and economically impractical.
Innovation Solution
A soil cultivator with a deformable sub-frame made of elastic material, adjustable via movably configured adjusting means, allowing for real-time adaptation of the distance between cultivating tools without stopping the tractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to change the distance between cultivator sweeps, then the distance can be adjusted, but the tractor must be stopped and the adjustment is extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the subframe deformable rather than rigid. The subframe can elastically change its shape and the distance between connection points during operation, allowing continuous adjustment without stopping the tractor. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the subframe from rigid to elastically deformable. By using a subframe made of elastic material or with elastic elements, the distance between cultivator sweeps can be continuously varied by applying force to deform the subframe, enabling parameter adjustment without manual intervention or stopping the tractor.
2Device complexity
If fixed distance between cultivator sweeps is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different field conditions and crop rows
Solution Approach 1:
The subframe is designed as a dynamic element that can elastically deform to change the distance between cultivator sweeps. This allows the device to adapt to different field conditions and crop row spacings while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastic subframe that can be made of flexible material or designed with flexible elements. This elastic component allows the structure to bend and deform elastically, providing adaptability to different configurations while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to change subframe configuration, then the distance can be adjusted continuously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with multiple components, the patent changes the fundamental parameter of the subframe from rigid to elastic. This allows continuous adjustment of the subframe configuration through simple deformation forces, dramatically reducing the complexity of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining full adaptability.
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
Enables quick and efficient adjustment of the line along which cultivator sweeps and harrow tines are guided, improving weed control between crop rows without damaging the crops, by using elastic properties to change the shape and position of the sub-frame during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a frame-like element or deformable sub-frame (4) made of an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A soil cultivator for mechanical weed control between rows of cultivated plants includes a frame attachable to a tractor for movement along a traveling direction, and at least one soil processing unit attached to the frame. The at least one soil control unit includes a deformable sub-frame made of an elastic material. The soil cultivator further comprises a first adjusting means connected to the deformable sub-frame via at least one first connecting element, and a second adjusting means connected to the deformable sub-frame via at least one second connecting element. At least one adjusting unit is provided for carrying out a movement of the first and the second adjusting means, such that the deformable sub-frame is elastically deformable by the movement of the first and the second adjusting means such that the extent of the deformable sub-frame changes transversely to the traveling direction.