Gauge Wheel Pivot Arm Assembly With Greaseless Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot arm assemblies for agricultural row units require routine applications of grease to reduce friction, which is cumbersome and requires maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A pivot arm assembly with a friction reducing member, such as bushings or bearing assemblies, that minimizes friction without the need for routine lubrication, allowing for lateral adjustment and pivotal movement of the gauge wheel relative to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If routine grease application is used to reduce friction in pivot arm assemblies, then friction is reduced, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arm assembly uses self-lubricating bushings that contain an oil-impregnated material allowing the system to service itself without external grease application. The bushings are designed to provide continuous lubrication through their structure, eliminating the need for routine maintenance while reducing friction throughout the operational life of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical grease application system with a self-contained lubrication system using oil-impregnated bushings. This substitution eliminates the need for external grease fittings and manual lubrication, transforming the friction reduction mechanism from an external maintenance process to an intrinsic property of the bushing material itself.
2Ease of repair
If greaseless bushing assembly is used, then maintenance is eliminated, but friction may increase without routine lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing material is changed from traditional metal-to-metal contact to an oil-impregnated material that provides continuous lubrication. This parameter change in the material properties allows the bushing to maintain low friction characteristics without external grease application, as the oil-impregnated structure continuously supplies lubrication through the operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing employs a composite structure combining metal with oil-impregnated material, creating a hybrid component that leverages the strength of metal while providing the self-lubricating properties of oil-impregnated material. This composite approach eliminates maintenance requirements while maintaining low friction operation throughout the bushing's service life.
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
The assembly operates maintenance-free for its expected life, ensuring proper positioning and function of the gauge wheel without undue friction or wear, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a friction reducing member positioned between the bushing block and the through bolt. The friction reducing member allows pivotal movement of the pivot arm relative to the through bolt and does not require a routine application of grease.
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
A pivot arm assembly (300, 400, 500) for row unit (10) of an agricultural machine is disclosed. The pivot arm assembly (300, 400, 500), comprising: a pivot arm (302, 402, 502) having a bushing block (304, 404, 504) on a first end and configured to be coupled to a gauge wheel (32) on a second end; a lateral positioning member (310, 410, 510) configured to be selectively coupled to the bushing block (304, 404, 504) to provide lateral adjustment of the pivot arm (302, 402, 502); a through bolt (320, 420) configured to selectively couple the lateral positioning member (310, 410, 510) to a frame (14); and a friction reducing member (312, 412) positioned between the bushing block (304, 404, 504) and the through bolt (320, 420); wherein, the friction reducing member (312, 412) allows pivotal movement of the pivot arm (302) relative to the through bolt (320, 420) without requiring a routine application of grease.