Harrow Downforce Adjustment via Pivot Link and Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tillage implements face challenges in maintaining efficient ground engagement and residue flow due to issues with tool orientation, alignment, and penetration, particularly in varying soil conditions, which can lead to uneven ground preparation and interference during folding operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adjustable harrow attachment with a harrow drawbar, pivot link, and downforce spring system that allows for variable downforce adjustment and improved foldability, ensuring proper ground contact and residue flow by allowing harrow ranks to pivot and adjust their position relative to the drawbar, reducing frame depth and enhancing ground-following capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the harrow attachment uses a fixed downforce mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to adapt to varying ground conditions and maintain consistent ground engagement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic downforce adjustment mechanism where the downforce spring can be repositioned along the rank bar to different adjustment locations. This allows the harrow attachment to adapt its downforce characteristics to varying ground conditions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure. The pivot link and adjustable spring positioning enable the system to change its mechanical properties without complex actuators or control systems.
2Reliability
If the harrow rank is rigidly fixed to the drawbar, then the alignment and ground engagement are more consistent, but the ability to trip and adjust to ground following is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pivot link mechanism that connects the harrow rank to the drawbar, allowing the rank to pivot upward toward the drawbar from a home position. This dynamic connection enables the harrow rank to trip when encountering ground obstacles while maintaining reliable ground engagement during normal operation. The pivot mechanism provides the necessary freedom of movement without compromising alignment consistency.
3Length of moving object
If the implement frame depth is reduced, then the foldability and weight are improved, but the ground-following capability and frame strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the harrow attachment into separable components including the drawbar, pivot link, and downforce spring that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows for a more compact frame depth while maintaining structural integrity through strategic placement of load-bearing elements. The modular design enables reduced overall frame depth without compromising the strength of critical components.
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
This solution enhances the tillage implement's ability to maintain consistent ground engagement and residue flow across the field, improves foldability, and reduces the frame depth, leading to better ground-following performance and reduced weight and cost, while minimizing the risk of binding during folding operations.
Implementation Method 1
A downforce spring is coupled to the drawbar and configured to be in a fixed length state when the at least one harrow rank is in the home position and in a variable length state when the at least one harrow rank is tripped. When in the variable length state, the downforce spring applies a biasing force to the at least one harrow rank away from the drawbar.
Implementation Method 2
A pivot link pivotally couples the at least one harrow rank to the drawbar to allow the at least one harrow rank to trip by pivoting upward toward the drawbar from a home position in which the at least one harrow rank is farthest away from the drawbar.
Data Source
AI summary
A harrow attachment for a tillage implement includes a harrow drawbar mounting at least one rank of harrowing tools. A pivot link pivotally couples the harrow rank to the drawbar so it can trip by pivoting upward toward the drawbar from a home position in which the harrow rank is farthest away from the drawbar. A downforce spring is coupled to the drawbar and in a variable length state when the harrow rank is tripped to apply a return biasing force to the harrow rank. An adjustment mechanism couples the spring to the harrow rank and/or the pivot link in one of a plurality of adjustment locations in each of which the harrow rank is in the home position and the spring is in a fixed length state in which the biasing force is removed.