Adjustable Gantry Planter Platform for Parallel Seed Rows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles with gantry configurations often lack lateral adjustment of planting row units, leading to non-parallel seed rows and soil compaction, which can hinder efficient planting and affect crop growth.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle platform with adjustable legs and a pivotable arm assembly allows for lateral adjustment of planting row units, minimizing soil compaction by dynamically adjusting the vehicle height and track contact area based on sensor data and crop conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a gantry configuration is used to support planting implements, then the vehicle structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but lateral adjustment of planting row units cannot be achieved resulting in non-parallel seed rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the planting row units laterally adjustable relative to the vehicle body. Each planting row unit can be independently positioned left or right of its nominal position, allowing the system to adapt to varying field conditions and maintain parallel seed rows even when the vehicle body follows a curved path. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and planting precision.
2Device complexity
If traditional wheels are used for vehicle support and movement, then the vehicle structure is simpler, but soil compaction occurs which adversely affects crop growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the porous materials principle by using track assemblies with segmented, flexible tracks that can conform to terrain and distribute weight over a larger surface area. The track design includes gaps and flexible segments that reduce ground pressure and minimize soil compaction compared to traditional solid wheels, while maintaining adequate structural support for the vehicle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle body follows a curved path, then the vehicle can navigate contour terrain, but planting row units will not be parallel to each other without lateral adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling each planting row unit to be independently adjusted laterally relative to the vehicle body. When the vehicle follows a curved contour path, the control system can dynamically reposition each planting row unit to maintain parallel seed rows, decoupling the vehicle's navigation path from the planting pattern geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the planting implement into multiple independently adjustable planting row units. Each row unit can be individually positioned and controlled, allowing differential lateral adjustment across the width of the implement. This segmentation enables precise control of each row's orientation regardless of the vehicle's overall path curvature.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. Each adjustable leg has a corresponding leg actuator to adjust a respective vertical height of each adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg supports the central body. Planting row units are supported by or suspended from the central body.