Furrow Closing Assembly with Independent Press Wheel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furrow closing systems for agricultural planters lack consistent soil contact, especially in uneven terrain, and are not adaptable to different soil conditions, leading to issues like free wheeling of press wheels and incomplete seed furrow closure, which affects seed emergence and crop yields.

Innovation Solution

A furrow closing system with independently adjustable down-force systems for both closing wheels and press wheels, allowing relative vertical movement and remote control, ensuring consistent soil contact and adaptable pressure based on terrain and soil conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the press wheel and closing discs are attached to separate points on the planter row unit, then the system can be adapted to different planter configurations, but the press wheel and closing discs cannot move independently of each other, resulting in inconsistent soil contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different planter configurationsVSAvoidconsistent soil contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The furrow closing assembly is divided into separate functional components: closing discs mounted on a closing wheel arm assembly and press wheels mounted on a press wheel arm assembly. Each arm assembly can pivot independently about the horizontal axis, allowing the closing discs and press wheels to move independently relative to each other while maintaining consistent soil contact on uneven terrain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closing wheel arm assembly and press wheel arm assembly are both pivotal relative to the row unit subframe, allowing dynamic adjustment of the position of closing discs and press wheels independently. This dynamic capability enables each component to adapt to terrain variations while maintaining reliable soil contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If the press wheel is not in firm contact with the soil, then the down-force system may be excessive, but the press wheel will free wheel and fail to provide effective furrow closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedown force on press wheelVSAvoideffective furrow closure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The press wheel arm assembly is pivotal, allowing the press wheels to move independently vertically relative to the closing discs. This dynamic adjustment ensures that press wheels maintain firm contact with the soil surface even on uneven terrain, preventing free wheeling while providing effective furrow closure without requiring excessive down force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the down-force systems are not adjustable remotely, then the system structure is simpler, but the system cannot adapt to different soil conditions and terrain topography

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidadaptability to soil conditions and terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The down-force systems include adjustable mechanisms that allow remote modification of the down force applied to both the closing wheel assembly and press wheel assembly. This parameter adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to varying soil conditions and terrain topography without requiring complex restructuring of the overall system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If the closing wheel arm assembly and press wheel arm assembly are not pivotal relative to each other, then the structure is more rigid and simpler, but relative vertical movement between closing wheels and press wheel cannot occur during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm assembly structureVSAvoidconsistent soil contact during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing wheel arm assembly and press wheel arm assembly are pivotal relative to each other, enabling independent vertical movement of each assembly during operation. This dynamic configuration maintains consistent soil contact for both closing discs and press wheels even on uneven terrain, while the pivotal connection remains structurally simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8939095B2Furrow closing assembly and method

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 AG FOCUS LLC

AI summary

Agricultural planter row units feature soil finishing assemblies for closing a seed groove after seed is placed in the soil. An adjustable furrow closing assembly enhances upper seed groove coverage and closure with soil resulting in sustained relative humidity levels and optimum seed-to-soil contact for faster seed germination. The furrow closing assembly includes a closing wheel assembly having at least one closing wheel and a press wheel assembly having a press wheel following behind the closing wheels. The closing wheels and press wheel are attached to the planter row unit in a manner allowing the press wheel to move vertically relative to the closing wheels. Adjustable down-force systems are provided to vary the down force applied to the closing wheels and the press wheel to maintain optimum soil contact in irregular terrain and in varying soil densities and conditions to provide optimum soil coverage and compaction of the seed bed.