Disc Opener Depth Adjustment via Crankshaft Gauge Wheel Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disc opener units for agricultural implements face challenges in precise depth adjustment and bearing positioning, leading to inconsistent furrow cutting depths and potential debris buildup, which affects seeding and fertilizer distribution.

Innovation Solution

A disc hub assembly with a shouldered spindle and depth adjustment arm, where the spindle operates as a crankshaft to rotate the gauge wheel arm, allowing for precise positioning of the disc and gauge wheel, and a spring-biased handle for user-friendly depth adjustments, ensuring consistent furrow depth settings between 3.2 mm and 87 mm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional depth adjustment mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the depth positioning precision is poor leading to inconsistent furrow depths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth positioning precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The depth adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete notched positions on the arc-shaped arm, allowing precise positioning at specific depth intervals while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The segmentation provides defined stopping points that ensure consistent depth settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded handle acts as an intermediary between the operator and the depth adjustment mechanism. It provides tactile feedback and ensures positive engagement with the notches, improving positioning precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the gauge wheel is positioned close to the disc, then debris buildup is reduced, but the depth adjustment precision is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris buildupVSAvoiddepth adjustment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The depth adjustment mechanism transitions from linear vertical adjustment to rotational movement along an arc-shaped path. This dimensional change allows the gauge wheel to maintain its beneficial close positioning to the disc while achieving precise depth control through angular positioning of the crankshaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism changes the parameter of adjustment from direct vertical displacement to rotational angle. By controlling the angular position of the crankshaft and connected arm, the vertical depth is indirectly controlled with higher precision while maintaining optimal gauge wheel positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a spring-biased handle with notched arc positions is used, then user-friendly adjustment is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth adjustment easeVSAvoidadjustment assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded handle automatically engages with the notched positions on the arc-shaped arm, providing self-locking without requiring additional locking mechanisms. The spring bias ensures positive engagement and tactile feedback, making the system self-regulating and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment handle combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the adjustment input, engages with the notched positions for positioning, provides tactile feedback through spring bias, and maintains the adjusted position without separate locking mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides precise and user-friendly depth adjustment, preventing bearing misalignment and debris buildup, allowing for tighter opener spacing and improved seeding and fertilizer distribution by maintaining consistent furrow depths and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The depth adjustment arm includes a handle that is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8359987B2Depth adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A disc hub assembly includes a shouldered spindle that is secured to a disc opener frame and to which a depth adjustment arm and a gauge wheel arm are connected. The disc hub, to which a ground opener disc is mounted, is disposed on the spindle in a manner that allows the disc to rotate around the spindle. A gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm. When the depth adjustment arm is rotated between depth setting positions the gauge wheel arm is also rotated. As the gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm, rotation of the gauge wheel arm causes rotation of the gauge wheel. The depth adjustment arm is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame. The notches define a range of positions at which the depth adjustment arm may be positioned.