Agricultural Marker Assembly Float Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural seeders face challenges with marker assemblies that are heavy, bulky, and costly due to the need for durability against collisions and flexibility to accommodate varying terrain, leading to issues with deployment and potential damage from obstructions.

Innovation Solution

A marker assembly with a float linkage system that allows limited vertical displacement, utilizing interconnected linkages and actuators to accommodate surface undulations and collisions, enabling the assembly to pivot rearward and adjust its position to clear obstructions while maintaining functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the marker frame is built with heavy, bulky materials to withstand collision impacts, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the weight and cost of the marker assembly increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision resistanceVSAvoidmarker assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a float linkage system that allows the marker assembly to move vertically in response to ground contours and obstacles. This dynamic capability replaces the need for an overly robust static structure, enabling the use of lighter materials while maintaining collision resistance through controlled movement rather than brute strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the marker assembly by enabling vertical displacement through the float linkage. This parameter change allows the assembly to adapt its position dynamically, reducing the structural requirements for collision resistance and thereby reducing weight while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the marker frame is designed with flexibility to accommodate ground contours, then the adaptability to terrain is improved, but the control of deployment from retracted to extended position becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain accommodationVSAvoiddeployment control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The float linkage system provides controlled dynamics that allow the marker assembly to adapt to terrain while maintaining deployability. The linkage creates a mechanical system with defined degrees of freedom that enables both terrain following and controlled deployment/retraction operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The marker assembly is segmented into multiple linkage components (float linkage, actuator, support structure) that work together. This segmentation allows independent control of deployment functions while maintaining overall flexibility for terrain accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If the marker assembly is made lighter and less bulky, then the cost and size of the seeder are reduced, but the ability to withstand collision impacts is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker assembly weightVSAvoidcollision damage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The float linkage introduces dynamic movement capability that allows the lightweight marker assembly to respond to collisions by moving vertically rather than absorbing impact through structural strength. This dynamic response maintains reliability while enabling lighter construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of collisions into a beneficial vertical displacement response. When the marker assembly encounters an obstacle, the float linkage allows controlled movement that dissipates impact energy safely, protecting the lighter structure from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the marker assembly has sufficient flexibility for undulating terrain, then the terrain adaptability is improved, but the management of deployment from retracted to extended position presents issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground contour flexibilityVSAvoiddeployment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment mechanism is segmented into discrete linkage components with defined functions. The float linkage handles terrain adaptation while the actuator manages deployment, separating these functions to reduce overall system complexity despite the flexibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7743842B1Marker assembly having float feature

Publication Date: 2010.06.29 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A marker assembly for use with an agricultural implement includes a float linkage that allows limited vertical displacement of the marker assembly when the marker assembly is in a fully deployed position. This limited vertical displacement accommodates changes in surface terrain (contour) as well as in-field obstructions. The marker assembly is comprised of a series of interconnected linkages. The linkages are extended by an actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder and ram. The float linkage allows for vertical displacement of the extended linkages even when the actuator is in an extended position.