Disc Gang Spacing Adjustment for Angle-Stable Vertical Tillage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements face limitations in adjusting disc blade spacing and angle, which affect the quality and efficiency of soil tilling, particularly in adjustable angle style vertical tillage machines, restricting speed and field coverage.
Innovation Solution
A disc blade spacing adjustment system that includes a frame member assembly, linkage assembly, angular and lateral adjustment mechanisms, and sensors to dynamically adjust the position and angle of disc gangs relative to each other and the implement's center line, controlled by a controller for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable angle style vertical tillage machines are used, then the angle of disc gangs can be changed, but the lateral spacing between front and rear disc blade gangs changes as the angle is adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements independent lateral adjustment mechanisms for each disc gang that can dynamically compensate for spacing changes. The system allows the lateral position of each gang to be adjusted independently while maintaining the desired spacing relationship, resolving the contradiction between angle adjustability and spacing consistency through active dynamic control rather than fixed geometric relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual lateral spacing between disc gangs and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of gang positions to maintain consistent spacing regardless of angle changes, directly addressing the contradiction by closing the control loop
2Device complexity
If fixed disc blade spacing is used, then the structure is simpler, but the field speed range is limited to a narrow range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable lateral positioning mechanisms that allow the disc gang spacing to be dynamically changed during operation. This enables the same implement to adapt to different field speed requirements by adjusting the spacing, thereby expanding the operational speed range without sacrificing the basic structural simplicity through modular adjustment components
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the lateral spacing parameter of disc gangs to optimize performance across different field speeds. By enabling the spacing parameter to be adjusted rather than fixed, the system achieves broader speed adaptability while maintaining relatively simple adjustment mechanisms
3Area of stationary object
If disc gangs are positioned closer together, then field coverage per pass is reduced, but if positioned farther apart, then spacing maintenance during operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the lateral spacing between disc gangs using sensors and automatically adjusts the positioning to maintain the desired spacing. This feedback control makes it easier to operate the implement with wider gang spacing, as the system compensates for any drift or misalignment, thereby enabling larger field coverage without sacrificing spacing maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement includes a main frame, a first frame member assembly coupled to the main frame, and a first plurality of discs coupled to the first frame member assembly. The agricultural implement also includes a first linkage assembly coupled to the first frame member assembly. The agricultural implement further includes a first lateral adjustment mechanism coupled to the first frame member assembly and configured to actuate the first linkage assembly to change a first lateral position of the first plurality of discs relative to at least one other plurality of discs coupled to the main frame or relative to a center line of the main frame, the center line being parallel to a direction of travel of the agricultural implement.