Foldable Wing Tool Bar for Agricultural Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fertilizer application implements are limited in their ability to adapt to varying field configurations and row spacings, requiring multiple models for different field types and sizes, which increases costs and reduces versatility.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural implement with foldable wings and a hydraulic system that allows the outer and inner wing tool bars to rotate relative to each other, enabling operation in narrower configurations and maintaining constant depth across different terrain, thereby accommodating various field layouts with a single model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fertilizer application implements use a rigid frame structure, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but adaptability to varying field configurations and row spacings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is segmented into multiple independently controllable tool bars (main tool bar, inner wing tool bars, outer wing tool bars) that can be raised and lowered separately. This segmentation allows each segment to adapt to different field configurations while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement transitions from a static rigid frame to a dynamic structure where tool bars can be actively raised and lowered via hydraulic systems. This dynamic capability enables the implement to adapt to varying field configurations, row spacings, and terrain conditions while maintaining structural strength through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models of fertilizer application implements are used for different field types, then adaptability to various field configurations is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single fertilizer application implement is designed with multi-functional capability through its adjustable tool bar system. The main tool bar and wing tool bars can be independently positioned to accommodate different field widths, row spacings, and configurations, allowing one implement to replace multiple specialized models and thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement utilizes adjustable parameters (tool bar positions, heights, and angles) to adapt to different field types. By changing these parameters rather than requiring different physical implements, the system achieves versatility across various field configurations while maintaining a single standardized device design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wing tool bars are raised to enable narrower configuration operation, then adaptability to narrow fields is improved, but downward force on agricultural tools is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the implement (main tool bar vs. wing tool bars) are independently controlled with separate hydraulic systems. This allows local adjustment where wing tool bars can be raised for narrow field operation while the main tool bar maintains full downward force, or individual wing sections can be selectively positioned based on local field conditions and force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic control system dynamically adjusts the position of wing tool bars based on operational requirements. When narrow field operation is needed, wings are raised; when full force is needed, wings are lowered. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize both adaptability and force application in real-time based on field conditions.
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
Enables efficient fertilizer distribution across fields with different row spacings and sizes, reducing the need for multiple implements and enhancing versatility, allowing a single model to be used across various field types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system that allows the outer and inner wing tool bars to rotate relative to each other, enabling operation in narrower configurations and maintaining constant depth across different terrain
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement is presented that includes a main tool bar supporting main agricultural tools. The agricultural implement also includes an inner wing tool bar pivotally coupled to the main tool bar and supporting inner wing agricultural tools. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes an outer wing tool bar pivotally coupled to the outer wing tool bar and supporting outer wing agricultural tools. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a folding system configured to rotate that outer wing tool bar relative to the inner wing tool bar to enable the agricultural implement to be operated in a narrower configuration.