Disc Opener Scraper Insert for Straw Wrap Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disc furrow openers face issues with straw wrapping between the scraper and disc, concentrated side load forces causing wear on the leading edge, and seeds getting trapped or escaping due to the tapered space between the disc and angled scraper, along with increased costs from using carbide for the entire wing.
Innovation Solution
A scraper assembly with a polymeric, self-lubricating, and low-friction obstruction, such as Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, positioned behind the leading scraper edge to prevent material accumulation and wear, combined with a metal wing member attached to the scraper body for enhanced durability and reduced cost, and a method of using a product delivery tube to ensure accurate product placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a scraper angles obliquely outward from the disc to form a space for seed and fertilizer delivery, then seed and fertilizer can be safely delivered to the shelved furrow, but straw becomes wrapped up between the scraper and the disc at the front portion of the scraper
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric obstruction insert is positioned between the scraper and the disc to serve as an intermediary element. This insert prevents straw from becoming wrapped between the scraper and disc while maintaining the oblique angle configuration that enables proper seed and fertilizer delivery to the shelved furrow.
2Reliability
If the scraper leading edge contacts the disc to perform scraping action, then soil buildup is cleared from the disc, but side load forces are concentrated on the small contact area causing notable wear
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction insert is made of polymeric material with specific physical properties that differ from the metal scraper body. This local quality change allows the insert to contact the disc and distribute side load forces over a larger area, reducing wear on the scraper leading edge while maintaining the scraping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper assembly combines metal scraper body with a polymeric obstruction insert. This composite structure allows the polymeric insert to absorb and distribute side load forces, protecting the metal scraper leading edge from concentrated wear while maintaining effective soil scraping capability.
3Productivity
If seeds are delivered into the tapered space between the disc and angled scraper, then seeds can be placed in the furrow, but seeds inadvertently bouncing forward become trapped in the tapered space or escape through the open space
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric obstruction insert acts as a mediator that modifies the tapered space geometry between the disc and scraper. It prevents seeds from becoming trapped or escaping while maintaining adequate space for product delivery tube operation and accurate seed placement in the furrow.
4Strength
If carbide is used to form the entirety of the wing to widen the shelf area, then the wing has enhanced durability and wear resistance, but the cost of the winged scraper increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire wing from expensive carbide, the obstruction insert uses polymeric material for the portions not subject to high wear. This local quality differentiation provides durability where needed while reducing manufacturing costs for the overall winged scraper assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The winged scraper combines traditional metal wing structure with a polymeric obstruction insert. This composite approach provides enhanced durability at the insert location without requiring the entire wing to be made from expensive carbide material, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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 effectively prevents straw and seed accumulation, reduces scraper wear, and ensures accurate product delivery while minimizing rotational resistance and wear on the disc, all while reducing manufacturing costs by strategically using carbide only on wear-prone areas.
Implementation Method 1
a polymeric, self-lubricating, and low-friction obstruction, such as Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Implementation Method 2
self-lubricating and low-friction obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
A unique scraper assembly for the disc of a furrow opener features an obstruction carried at inner side of the scraper body in a position trailing behind the leading scraper edge to prevent straw from accumulating in the space between the disc and scraper near the leading scraper edge, to block seed or other product delivered into the furrow from skipping forward into this space, to reduce wear on the leading scraper edge by increasing an area of pressured contact with the disc during side loading of the scraper, and/or provide lubricated contact with the disc to reduce rotational resistance during side loading. In some embodiments, the obstruction is defined by a separate insert of distinct material composition from the scraper. A discrete wing member is welded to the scraper at a pre-determined position thereon determined by fitting of the wing member into a mating slot in the scraper.