Self-adjusting disc harrow platform for uneven terrain stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-point hitch mounted offset disc harrows experience instability and inconsistent performance on uneven terrain, leading to uneven terrain penetration and erratic steering due to rigid connections, which prior solutions like elongated slots fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A subframe/main frame configuration with stabilizer bars and adjustable springs provides real-time positional adjustment of disc gangs, maintaining consistent pressure and reducing thrusting, by allowing limited pivotal movement and downward bias to stabilize the harrow on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the three-point hitch and disc harrow, then structural strength is improved, but stability on uneven terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid fixed connection with a pivoting connection between the main frame and subframe. This allows the disc harrow to dynamically adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining structural integrity. The pivot point enables the main frame to rotate relative to the subframe, providing real-time adjustment to terrain variations without compromising the overall structural strength of the three-point hitch mounting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elongated slot is used in the top link, then adaptability to terrain variations is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into distinct functional components: a subframe with stabilizer bars for rigid mounting to the three-point hitch, and a main frame with pivot connection for adaptive movement. This segmentation eliminates the need for elongated slots while maintaining adaptability, as the pivot mechanism provides controlled movement without requiring imprecise slot geometries.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a pivoting connection is used between main frame and subframe, then stability on uneven terrain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the stabilizer bars directly into the subframe structure and combining the pivot connection functionality with the existing three-point hitch mounting points. This merging approach minimizes additional components while achieving the desired pivoting capability and stability enhancement.
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 configuration ensures consistent pressure on both disc sections, reduces thrusting, and stabilizes the tractor, achieving more effective tilling and steering control on varying terrain.
Implementation Method 1
said main frame (and implement(s) mounted thereto) has applied thereto downward bias provided via spring(s) or the like situated between the relative second ends of said stabilizer bars and said main frame respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A three-point hitch drawn platform for an agricultural implement for conditioning soil, crop residue and the like, particularly suitable for use with a disc harrow with at least front and rear disc gangs. A main frame having first and second ends is formed to support said front and rear disc gangs, respectively, so as to facilitate real-time, limited repositioning of the disc gangs relative to first and second stabilizer bars forming part of a subframe which further includes a hitch frame with three-point hitch. The main frame is pivotally connected to the hitch frame at one end, so that other end of said main frame can pivot in response to terrain variations within a predefined distance via first and second stops, each free end of the stabilizer bars engaging the main frame via adjustable helical spring or the like, thereby providing adjustable downward bias transferred to the front and rear disc gangs to accommodate variations terrain during operation, effectively facilitating more consistent tension on the front and rear disc gangs, while providing more enhanced, stable, and consistent terrain penetration during the harrowing process. The present invention further limits or eliminates the issue of alternating right to left thrusting of the discs associated with conventional harrowing implements when three-point hitches are utilized, as well as the associated erratic steering movement on the tractors front steering during same.