Inline Tandem Running Gear with Offset Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural planters face challenges in supporting increased weight while minimizing soil compaction and maintaining maneuverability and functionality, as existing solutions like long tandem, double-sided tandem, and large single tires either create unstable situations, deep soil compaction, or limit narrow row spacing.
Innovation Solution
The design of an inline tandem running gear with a swing arm pivotably mounted axle, featuring a smaller front tire and larger rear tire on the same side, offset from the main pivot axis, which reduces soil pinching and maintains equal ground pressure, allowing for improved stability and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a long tandem running gear with centered pivot is used, then the machine can support increased weight, but the main action of the tire is further away from the seeding row units, hurting planter functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the main pivot offset from the center of the tandem axle assembly, specifically placing it closer to the front tire. This asymmetric positioning allows the front tire to be smaller and closer to the seeding row units, maintaining planter functionality, while the rear tire provides additional weight support capacity.
2Weight of moving object
If a double-sided tandem configuration is used, then the pivot is further back, but the tires create a pinch point in the soil, effectively doubling the pressure and causing deep soil compaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the weight support function between two tires of different sizes positioned in an inline tandem configuration. The larger rear tire carries the majority of the weight, while the smaller front tire provides stability and maintains closer proximity to the seeding row units. This segmentation avoids the soil pinching issue by having tires on the same side rather than opposite sides.
3Weight of moving object
If a large single tire is used, then the machine can support increased weight, but it takes up valuable space needed by other planter functions and potentially causes deep soil compaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the weight support function between two tires instead of using one large tire. This segmentation allows the running gear to support the same increased weight while occupying less overall space, as the two smaller tires can be positioned more compactly than one large tire would require.
4Force
If the main pivot is positioned further forward, then hitch weight increases, but this limits hitch options and creates unstable situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of the main pivot relative to the tandem axle assembly, placing it offset toward the front but not at the extreme forward position. This asymmetric placement optimizes the balance between generating sufficient hitch weight for effective operation and maintaining stability for reliable performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine includes a frame having a tongue hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle, the tongue hitch being oriented along a longitudinal axis inline with the direction of travel. The agricultural machine has an axle mounted to the frame and an arm mounted to the axle. A front spindle is mounted at the front end of the arm with a front tire mounted to the front spindle and a rear spindle is mounted at the rear end of the arm with a rear tire mounted to the rear spindle. The tires are positioned on a same side of the swing arm. The front tire has a different diameter than a diameter of the rear tire.