Hoeing Parallelogram Linkage for Stable Depth in Hard Soil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hoeing devices struggle to maintain hoeing elements in hard soils due to upward retraction, especially when encountering obstacles, leading to inefficient weeding operations.

Innovation Solution

A deformable parallelogram design with forward-oriented connecting rods and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder allows the upper beam to be raised, maintaining or increasing the depth of hoeing elements in the soil, and a hydraulic cylinder absorbs forces to prevent upward movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connecting rods are oriented forward from the upper beam to the lower beam, then the hoeing elements are kept in the soil on hard ground, but the device complexity increases due to the need for a hydraulic cylinder and controlled parallelogram mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to maintain hoeing elements in soilVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the parallelogram deformable and controllable. The upper beam can be raised or lowered relative to the lower beam through controlled deformation of the parallelogram structure, allowing adaptive response to different soil conditions. This dynamic capability enables the hoeing elements to maintain contact with hard soil surfaces while allowing the operator to adjust the working depth as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies hydraulics by incorporating a double-acting hydraulic cylinder that controls the movement of the upper beam relative to the lower beam. The hydraulic cylinder provides controlled force to raise or lower the upper beam, enabling precise control over the depth of the hoeing elements in the soil. This hydraulic actuation system allows the operator to maintain reliable contact with hard ground while managing the complexity through standardized hydraulic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the upper beam is raised to avoid hoeing certain areas, then operational flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the hydraulic cylinder and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to avoid hoeing areasVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the upper beam to be dynamically raised or lowered relative to the lower beam. This controlled deformation of the parallelogram structure allows the hoeing elements to be positioned at different heights, providing flexibility to avoid specific areas such as crop rows or sensitive zones. The dynamic capability is achieved through the hydraulic cylinder that powers the relative movement between beams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a single hydraulic cylinder and control system that serves multiple functions: controlling the depth of hoeing elements, raising the upper beam to avoid areas, and adapting to different working conditions. This multi-functional approach increases operational flexibility while minimizing the addition of separate control mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the parallelogram is weighed down to prevent retraction, then the hoeing elements remain in the soil, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehoeing element stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies hydraulics by replacing mechanical weighting mechanisms with a hydraulic cylinder that controls the position of the upper beam. The hydraulic system provides controlled force to maintain the upper beam in the desired position, ensuring reliable contact of hoeing elements with the soil without requiring heavy mechanical weights. This approach reduces maintenance requirements as hydraulic systems have fewer moving parts and no wear-prone mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by using the hydraulic cylinder to dynamically adjust the position and orientation of the upper beam relative to the lower beam. Instead of using fixed mechanical weights, the system changes the positional parameters of the parallelogram components through hydraulic force control. This allows flexible adjustment of hoeing depth and angle while reducing maintenance needs associated with mechanical weighting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design effectively keeps hoeing elements in the ground, even on hard soils, enabling precise control over hoeing operations without diverting the vehicle, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

a double-acting hydraulic cylinder (6) comprising a body (60) rotatably mounted on the connecting member (5) and a rod (61) whose distal end (610) is rotatably mounted on an anchor point (202) of the upper beam (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a deformable parallelogram (2) comprising an upper beam (20) and a lower beam (21) carrying at least one hoeing tool (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

said beams being connected by at least one pair of connecting rods (22), the connecting rods extending from one beam to the other while being inclined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20260060160A1Hoeing device intended to be towed, comprising a deformable parallelogram carrying at least one hoeing element
Publication Date: 2026.03.05 BINNOVE
  • US20260060160A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hoeing device includes: a frame intended to be coupled to a vehicle for towing the hoeing device; and a deformable parallelogram having comprising an upper beam and a lower beam carrying at least one hoeing tool as well as an element for running on the ground. The beams being connected by at least one pair of connecting rods, the connecting rods extending from one beam to the other while being inclined, from the upper beam to the lower beam, forwards in a forward direction of movement of the hoeing device. A connecting member is inserted between the frame and the deformable parallelogram.