Fertilizer Opener Assembly for Consistent Depth and Orientation

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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 of the implement from the toolbar or frame.

Innovation Solution

A fertilizer opener assembly with an extendable and retractable actuator coupled to a cutting implement, which moves between a cutting and transport position independently of the frame, and a positional adjustment linkage to maintain consistent angular and upright orientation, controlled by a sensor and controller system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting implement is rigidly attached to the frame, then the structure is simple, but the cutting implement cannot move independently to maintain consistent depth and orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent movement capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the cutting implement assembly into separable components: the cutting implement itself, the actuator mechanism, and the frame. This segmentation allows the cutting implement to move independently via the actuator while remaining attachable to the frame, resolving the contradiction between independent movement capability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic actuator mechanism that enables the cutting implement to move between cutting and transport positions independently of the frame. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled movement rather than complex rigid attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the cutting implement depth is manually adjusted, then the device complexity is low, but the depth consistency and orientation precision are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs sensors to detect the position and orientation of the cutting implement relative to the soil, providing feedback to a controller. The controller adjusts the actuator based on this feedback to maintain consistent depth and orientation, achieving high precision through closed-loop control while managing complexity through automated regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated actuator system controlled by electronic sensors and a controller. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with automated electro-mechanical control achieves superior depth consistency and orientation precision while the control system manages the increased complexity through intelligent regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the actuator applies variable force, then the adaptability to different soil conditions is high, but the trench formation precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrench formation precisionVSAvoidforce variation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator dynamically adjusts its force application and positioning to maintain the cutting implement at the desired depth and orientation. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying soil conditions while maintaining precise trench formation through real-time position and force regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (actuator position, force magnitude) in response to sensor feedback about soil conditions. This parameter adjustment enables the cutting implement to maintain consistent trench formation precision while adapting to different soil types and resistance levels through controlled variation of actuator output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260068809A1Work Machines Incorporating Fertilizer Opener Assemblies, Fertilizer Opener Assemblies Therefor, and Methods of Operating Work Machines

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 DEERE & CO

AI summary

Work machines, fertilizer opener assemblies for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a chassis, a frame, and a fertilizer opener assembly. The frame is coupled to the chassis for movement relative thereto. The fertilizer opener assembly is coupled to the frame to selectively form trenches in the soil for the deposition of fertilizer. The fertilizer opener assembly includes an actuator that is extendable and retractable to vary a length of the actuator and a cutting implement coupled to the actuator. Operation of the actuator drives movement of the cutting implement between a cutting position, in which the cutting implement makes contact with the soil to form trenches therein, and a transport position, in which the cutting implement is raised above the soil.