Disc Blade Angle Adjustment Assembly for Tillage Implements

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing gang angle adjustment process for tillage implements is time-consuming and requires tools, reducing efficiency due to the need for unfastening, rotating, and re-fastening bolts to adjust the disc blade angles.

Innovation Solution

A disc blade angle adjustment assembly that includes a vertical guide plate with an elongated opening and rollers to block rotation of the disc blade support, eliminating the need for bolts and allowing angle adjustments without tools, by using rollers to support the weight and facilitate rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bolt and nut fastening system is used to control gang support rotation, then the gang support is securely fixed at the desired angle, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of gang supportVSAvoidadjustment process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the time-consuming fastening operation by extracting the locking function from the fastening process. The cam mechanism provides automatic locking through its geometric shape, eliminating the need for bolts and nuts that require tool-based tightening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (bolts and nuts requiring manual tightening) with a cam-based mechanical system that achieves locking through geometric interference. The cam's curved surface converts rotational motion into direct angular positioning and automatic locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a bolt and nut system is used to adjust disc blade angles, then the gang support can be securely positioned, but tools are required which reduces operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure positioning of gang supportVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. When the operator rotates the cam follower, the cam's geometry automatically provides the positioning and locking action without requiring separate tightening operations. The system serves itself by converting the positioning motion into automatic mechanical locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the locking function from the fastening process, using the cam's geometric shape to provide automatic mechanical interference and positioning. This eliminates the need for tool-based fastening operations while maintaining secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple apertures and a bolt system are used for angle adjustment, then the gang support can be fixed at different angles, but the adjustment process becomes complex and tool-dependent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to different anglesVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static fastening system to a dynamic cam-based system. The cam follower can move along the cam's curved surface, allowing continuous angular adjustment. The system adapts to different positions through the cam's geometry rather than discrete aperture selections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex multi-aperture bolt system with a simpler cam mechanism. The cam's curved profile inherently provides the positioning function that previously required multiple apertures and tool-based fastening, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution significantly reduces the time and tool dependency required for adjusting disc blade angles, enhancing the efficiency of the gang angle adjustment process.

Implementation Method 1

multiple rollers rotatably coupled to the vertical support and disposed within the elongated opening of the vertical guide plate. The rollers are configured to block rotation of the disc blade support about a longitudinal axis of the disc blade support via engagement with the vertical guide plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS20240065126A1Disc blade angle adjustment assembly for a tillage implement

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC

AI summary

A disc blade angle adjustment assembly for a tillage implement includes a base structure configured to couple to a frame of the tillage implement. The disc blade angle adjustment assembly also includes a vertical guide plate coupled to the base structure, in which the vertical guide plate has an elongated opening. Furthermore, the disc blade angle adjustment assembly includes a vertical support configured to couple to a disc blade support of the tillage implement. The disc blade support is configured to pivotally couple to the frame at a pivot point. The disc blade angle adjustment assembly also includes multiple rollers rotatably coupled to the vertical support and disposed within the elongated opening of the vertical guide plate. The rollers are configured to block rotation of the disc blade support about a longitudinal axis of the disc blade support via engagement with the vertical guide plate.