Depth Guide Hinge Locking for Lower-Height Implement Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements often exceed permissible transport dimensions due to rearward-projecting parts like depth control elements, necessitating manual locking mechanisms that increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement with a lifting device and passive locking mechanism that automatically locks depth control elements in the working position, reducing the need for manual actuation and simplifying assembly, while allowing these elements to pivot when lifted for reduced transport height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional tillage equipment is used, then soil cultivation is achieved, but fuel consumption increases and carbon emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical tillage systems with a robotic system that uses sensors, computer vision, and controlled cutting mechanisms. The robotic tillage device uses electrical motors and automated control systems instead of traditional diesel-powered mechanical tillage equipment, thereby reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions while maintaining soil cultivation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of tillage by using precise, controlled cutting depths and speeds based on real-time soil condition sensing. The robotic system adjusts its operating parameters dynamically to optimize energy efficiency while achieving effective soil cultivation, rather than using fixed, high-energy mechanical tillage parameters.
2Productivity
If chemical fertilizers and pesticides are applied, then crop growth is promoted, but environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system enables crops to receive precise nutrients and pest protection only where needed, allowing the agricultural system to serve itself efficiently. The sensors detect plant health status and trigger targeted applications, eliminating the need for blanket chemical applications and reducing environmental pollution while maintaining crop growth promotion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical-based crop protection and nutrition systems with a robotic monitoring and precision application system. The system uses optical sensors, AI analysis, and controlled delivery mechanisms to provide nutrients and pest protection without relying on broad-spectrum chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby reducing environmental pollution.
3Productivity
If land is plowed and cultivated, then crops are planted, but topsoil erosion and carbon release occur
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs preliminary soil assessment and site preparation without conventional plowing. Sensors map the terrain and soil conditions beforehand, allowing the system to plant crops directly into prepared beds or existing soil structure, preventing topsoil erosion and carbon release that occur during traditional plowing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical plowing systems with robotic precision planting systems. The robotic device uses controlled cutting and soil displacement mechanisms that minimize soil disturbance, preventing topsoil erosion and carbon release while still enabling crop planting capability.
4Measurement precision
If precision is improved in agricultural operations, then resource efficiency increases, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: soil sensing, plant monitoring, precision cutting, and nutrient application. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision and resource efficiency without proportionally increasing equipment complexity, as one robotic platform performs multiple agricultural tasks that would otherwise require separate specialized equipment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural implement (1), the depth guide elements (17) of which can be pivoted relative to the implement (1) via a hinge unit (18), but are automatically locked in the working position by the dead weight of the implement (1) bearing down on the depth guide means and are secured so as to prevent a pivoting movement.