Independent Fertilizer Opener Actuation for Consistent Trench Depth

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural planters face challenges in maintaining the cutting implement at a consistent depth and orientation relative to the soil, while allowing independent movement from the toolbar or frame, which affects trench formation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A fertilizer opener assembly with an extendable and retractable actuator coupled to a cutting implement, a positional adjustment linkage, and a control system that maintains a constant force and orientation of the cutting implement, enabling independent movement between cutting and transport positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the cutting implement is rigidly attached to the frame, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to maintain consistent depth and orientation on uneven terrain deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to uneven terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the cutting implement into independently controllable segments with individual actuators, allowing each section to adapt to terrain variations while maintaining overall structural integrity through the frame connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities through actuators that continuously modify the position and orientation of cutting implements based on real-time terrain feedback, transitioning from static rigid attachment to dynamic adaptive positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting implement moves independently of the frame, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but mechanical complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent movement capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system serves multiple functions simultaneously: positioning the cutting implement, maintaining depth, controlling orientation, and compensating for terrain variations, thereby reducing the need for separate mechanical components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and manual adjustment mechanisms with actuated systems that provide independent movement capability through controlled force application, simplifying the overall mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual adjustment of cutting depth is used, then device simplicity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment mechanism simplicityVSAvoidtrench depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor trench depth and cutting implement position, providing feedback to actuators that automatically adjust positioning to maintain consistent depth within ±0.5 inches, eliminating manual adjustment imprecision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting implement system performs self-adjustment through actuated mechanisms that automatically compensate for depth variations without requiring manual intervention, maintaining precision through automated control based on sensor feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If constant force is applied to the cutting implement, then trench formation consistency is improved, but energy consumption deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrench formation consistencyVSAvoidactuator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system applies force periodically and intermittently based on real-time terrain conditions and depth deviations, rather than maintaining constant force, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving trench formation consistency through targeted adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4124226B1Work machine and method of operating such work machine

Publication Date: 2025.07.09 DEERE & CO

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

A work machine (100) is disclosed. The work machine (100) comprising: a chassis (104); a frame (110) coupled to the chassis (104) for movement relative thereto; and a fertilizer opener assembly (210) coupled to the frame (110) to selectively form trenches in the soil for the deposition of fertilizer, wherein the fertilizer opener assembly (210) includes an actuator (220) that is extendable and retractable to vary a length (L) of the actuator (220) and a cutting implement (212, 214) coupled to the actuator (220), wherein operation of the actuator (220) drives movement of the cutting implement (212, 214) between a cutting position (200), in which the cutting implement (212, 214) makes contact with the soil to form trenches therein, and a transport position (300), in which the cutting implement (212, 214) is raised above the soil, and wherein operation of the actuator (220) drives movement of the cutting implement (212, 214) between the cutting position (200) and the transport position (300) independently of movement of the frame (110) relative to the chassis (104).