Earth Working Implement with Independent Blade Tilt and Hitch Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earth moving implements are limited in their ability to adjust blade orientation independently of depth, restricting their versatility in forming various ground contours and requiring higher draft forces when dealing with compacted ground.
Innovation Solution
An earth working implement with a main blade and wing blades that can pivot independently, allowing for adjustable tilt and hitch arm orientation, enabling a range of configurations for different earth moving tasks and incorporating furrow openers to loosen compacted soil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blade orientation is fixed relative to the hitch arm, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to adjust blade tilt independently of depth is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into the blade itself and the hitch arm that connects it to the implement frame. This segmentation allows the blade to pivot independently about a tilt axis while the hitch arm pivots independently about a hitch axis, enabling independent control of blade tilt and depth without requiring a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is made dynamically adjustable relative to the hitch arm through the tilt axis pivot connection. This dynamic connection allows the blade orientation to be changed independently of the hitch arm position, providing adaptability for different working conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blade can only perform single-use collecting and spreading, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to form various ground contours is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is designed with multi-functionality to perform various earth moving tasks including collecting, spreading, forming ditches, ridges, and embankments. The independent tilt and depth adjustment capabilities, combined with the wing blade configurations, allow a single blade assembly to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require different specialized implements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing blades are dynamically positioned relative to the main blade through the tilt mechanism, allowing them to be adjusted into different configurations for various earth moving tasks. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the blade assembly to adapt to different ground contour forming requirements without changing the basic structure.
3Productivity
If higher draft forces are used to handle compacted ground, then the productivity is improved, but the energy consumption and towing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Furrow openers are positioned ahead of the main blade to perform preliminary loosening of compacted ground. This preliminary action reduces the resistance encountered by the main blade, thereby reducing the draft force required to move compacted earth while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An earth working implement has a main frame, a main blade supported on the main frame transversely to the forward direction, and two wing blades pivotally supported at opposing ends of the main blade for movement between forward and rearward projecting orientations. A tilt actuator controls angular orientation of the main blade relative to the main frame about a lateral axis. Two rear wheels support the rear end of the frame for rolling along the ground. A hitch arm extends forwardly from a pivotal connection of the main frame for connection to a towing vehicle so as to vary in angular orientation relative to the main frame independently of the main blade. Furrow openers in a laterally spaced apart row are movable relative to the main frame between a working position protruding below the cutting edge of the main blade and a raised storage position.