Double-disc coulter depth wheel inversion for seed drill blockage prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic precision seed drills experience blockages and braking effects due to the interaction between double disc coulters and depth control wheels, which hinder efficient seed planting.

Innovation Solution

Positioning the depth control wheel between the two double disc coulters, ensuring they rotate in the same direction, and arranging them to be almost in contact, along with a multifunctional cylinder or roller for pre- and post-compaction and depth guidance, reduces soil penetration and blockages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the depth control wheel is positioned behind the double disc coulters, then the structure is simple, but soil is thrown into the middle causing blockages and braking effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural arrangementVSAvoidblockages and braking effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the depth control wheel between the two double disc coulters rather than behind them. This spatial inversion changes the direction of soil throw from the middle toward the sides, eliminating blockages and braking effects while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of soil being thrown into the middle into a beneficial effect by repositioning the depth control wheel. The soil that would have caused blockages is now directed outward, and the interaction between the depth control wheel and coulters creates a mutual drive effect that enhances performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the depth control wheel and double disc coulters rotate in opposite directions, then the design is conventional, but soil penetration occurs causing blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation direction configurationVSAvoidsoil penetration and blockages

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the rotation direction configuration by making the depth control wheel and double disc coulters rotate in the same direction instead of opposite directions. This inversion prevents soil from being forced into the gap between components, eliminating penetration and blockages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the depth control wheel is positioned between the double disc coulters, then blockages are prevented, but the arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage preventionVSAvoidcomponent arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the depth control wheel and double disc coulters into a closely integrated unit where the components are arranged almost in contact. This merging achieves blockage prevention while minimizing the increase in overall arrangement complexity through compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement by positioning the axles at different heights (vertical dimension) and arranging components in a compact configuration. This dimensional optimization prevents blockages while keeping the horizontal footprint and overall complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If the depth control wheel and double disc coulters are arranged with large clearance, then manufacturing is easier, but earth penetration occurs between components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclearance adjustmentVSAvoidearth penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the clearance parameter between the depth control wheel and double disc coulters to a minimal value (almost in contact). This parameter change prevents earth penetration while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized component design and assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9943028B2Double-disc ploughshare comprising an inner-lying depth guide wheel

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 LEMKEN GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

In each case at least one double disc coulter 7, 8 and one depth control wheel 9 areas arranged on the frame 6 of a pneumatic precision seed drill. Seen from the direction of travel, this depth control wheel 9 is located between the two disc coulters 7, 8, whereby the two disc coulters 7, 8 and the depth control wheel 9 rotate in the same direction.