Gauge Wheel Pivot Mounting Structure Reducing Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed planting implements face issues with the durability and wear of gauge wheel arm pivots due to offset loads, leading to premature wear and plugging of soil and trash between the wheel and opener disk, which affects the consistent operation of the planting process.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure for pivot arms, including a cylindrical member, adjusting sleeve, and disc spring, which creates a lateral bearing force against a bearing housing, allowing for even distribution of pressure and reducing wear, and can be retrofitted to existing implements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a gauge wheel arm pivot is used to support offset loads, then the gauge wheel can carry the weight of the row unit, but the pivot mounting suffers from poor durability and premature wear due to concentrated loads at two small contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point contact (0D) to line contact (1D) by using a spherical interface between the gauge wheel arm and the pivot assembly. The spherical contact surface distributes the offset load across a continuous curved surface rather than at two discrete points, significantly reducing stress concentration and wear at the mounting interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the contact interface by introducing a spherical bearing surface with a specified radius. This dimensional change transforms the contact mechanics from high-stress point contact to lower-stress surface contact, improving the reliability and service life of the pivot mounting while maintaining the required load support capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gauge wheel arm is allowed to pivot freely, then the arm can accommodate oscillating motion, but grease is squeezed out of the contact points and does not get carried back, leading to increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spherical bearing interface as an intermediary element between the gauge wheel arm and the pivot mounting. This spherical interface acts as a mediator that accommodates oscillating motion through its geometric freedom while maintaining consistent lubrication contact, preventing grease ejection and ensuring continuous lubrication during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the arm leans due to wear at contact points, then the tire can be adjusted to stay in contact with the opener disk, but moisture and trash can accumulate and plug the space between the wheel and opener disk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the gauge wheel arm at the correct angle through the spherical pivot mounting, eliminating the need for subsequent leaning and adjustment. This initial proper alignment prevents soil and trash accumulation from the outset, avoiding plugging issues before they can occur during operation.
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 solution effectively reduces wear and ensures consistent contact between the tire and opener disk, preventing plugging and improving the durability and performance of the planting process.
Implementation Method 1
A disc spring is positioned on the adjusting sleeve. An adjusting nut is threaded onto the threaded external surface of the adjusting sleeve. The adjusting nut can be tightened to compress the disc spring to create a lateral bearing force against the bearing housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting structure for mounting a pivot arm to an implement has a cylindrical member, an adjusting sleeve, and a mounting bolt extending through the cylindrical member and adjusting sleeve to fix the cylindrical member and adjusting sleeve together. The cylindrical member extends through a bore of a bearing housing for rotation within the bearing housing. The adjusting sleeve has a threaded external surface. A disc spring is positioned on the adjusting sleeve. An adjusting nut is threaded onto the threaded external surface of the adjusting sleeve. The adjusting nut can be tightened to compress the disc spring to create a lateral bearing force against the bearing housing. The bearing housing can be integral with a pivot arm for mounting a gauge wheel assembly on a planter row unit, or the bearing housing can be a fixed part for mounting a pivot arm for a closing/press wheel on a drill.