Modular Harrow Support Layout for Precise Working Widths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural tillage machines, such as harrows, face challenges in achieving precise working widths due to fixed tine arrangements, which complicate adjustments to accommodate modern farming systems like 24m tramlines, and modifying working widths is economically unviable.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a frame structure with extendable harrow supports and folding arms, allowing for adjustable working widths through interchangeable harrow sections and extensions, coupled with compression springs for ground adaptation, and a connecting structure for stability and deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the frame structure and harrow sections are designed with fixed dimensions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking width precisionVSAvoidworking width adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The harrow is divided into modular harrow sections that can be independently adjusted. Each harrow section can be individually positioned along the frame structure, allowing the working width to be precisely customized without modifying the entire frame. This segmentation enables both manufacturing precision (standardized modules) and adaptability (flexible arrangement).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the harrow sections to be dynamically repositioned. The working width can be changed by adjusting the position of harrow sections along the frame, providing adaptability while maintaining precision through controlled mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the working width is increased to meet precise farming requirements, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking widthVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different numbers and positions of harrow sections. This multi-functional design allows the same frame to support various working widths without requiring complex custom modifications, thereby increasing productivity while controlling complexity.

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

3Ease of operation

If the harrow sections are made foldable to reduce transport dimensions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidfolding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The harrow sections are designed to fold and nest together, with smaller sections fitting within or alongside larger ones during transport. This nesting arrangement reduces overall transport dimensions while using relatively simple folding joints, improving ease of operation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables easy adaptation of working widths to meet precise farming requirements, reduces transport dimensions, and maintains consistent contact pressure on uneven ground, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first compression spring (27) coupled to the first harrow tine (21), wherein the first compression spring carrier (26) is displaceable relative to the first harrow carrier (20) in order to adjust the preload of the first compression springs (27)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4677973A1Agricultural soil working machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 ALOIS POETTINGER MASCHFAB
  • EP4677973A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4677973A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4677973A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an agricultural soil cultivation machine (1), in particular a harrow (1), comprising: - a frame structure (2) extending in a working direction (7) and in a transverse direction (8); - a first harrow support (20) with several first harrow tines (21) spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction (8), wherein the first harrow support (20) is coupled to the frame structure (2). Furthermore, a first harrow support extension (34) with at least one first extension tine (35) is formed, wherein the first harrow support extension (34) can be arranged as an extension to the first harrow support (20).