Modular Soil-Working System Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soil cultivation systems for agricultural machines have complex mechanical structures that lead to time-consuming and costly replacements due to abrasive wear, and individual elements are prone to adverse wear and premature detachment.

Innovation Solution

A modular soil cultivation system with detachable, form-fitting and non-positive connections between elements, including a base element, sole element with angular cutting elements, and an injection element, designed to reduce abrasive wear through specific matching of element shapes and additional protective features, allowing for variable adjustment and enhanced protection against wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanical design is used in soil cultivation systems, then the system can perform multiple functions, but the elements require time-consuming and costly replacement due to abrasive wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The soil cultivation system is divided into separate replaceable elements (cutting elements, injection elements, protective elements) that can be independently replaced. Each element is designed as a separate module that attaches to a base element, allowing worn components to be quickly swapped without replacing the entire system, thus reducing replacement time while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different elements of the system are made from materials with properties optimized for their specific functions and wear conditions. Cutting elements use hard materials resistant to abrasive wear, while other elements use materials suited for their particular requirements. This localized material optimization extends the service life of each component without compromising overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If elements are made with dimensions and shapes optimized for cutting performance, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the elements become more susceptible to adverse wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different material properties to different elements based on their specific functional requirements. Cutting elements are made from hard, wear-resistant materials optimized for cutting efficiency, while other elements use materials appropriate for their functions. This allows each element to have optimal cutting or operational characteristics without compromising overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Protective elements are positioned ahead of and alongside vulnerable components to shield them from adverse wear before the wear occurs. These protective elements absorb the abrasive impact of soil materials, creating a protective barrier that extends the service life of the underlying functional elements without interfering with their performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of repair

If detachable connections are used between elements, then replacement of worn parts is simplified, but the connections may become detached prematurely under operational loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is designed with distinct attachment and retention features that separate the functions of easy detachment and secure holding. Quick-release mechanisms allow simple removal, while positive locking features and retaining elements ensure stable operation during use, preventing premature detachment under operational loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Protective elements are strategically positioned to shield detachable connections from adverse wear and operational stresses before damage occurs. This protection prevents premature wear of the connection interfaces, maintaining connection stability and preventing accidental detachment during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3280242B1Soil-working system
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 KUHN-HUARD SAS
  • EP3280242B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280242B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3280242B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a soil-working system for an agricultural soil-working machine, comprising a base element (2), which is designed to hold a bottom element (3), wherein the bottom element (3) has at least one cutting element (4), and comprising an injection element (5) for introducing substances into the soil material to be worked, wherein the soil-working elements are detachably or undetachably connected to a carrier element (6) of the soil-working machine, wherein the detachable connections form an interlocking and/or frictional connection and wherein the elements at least partially form a protection against abrasive wear in relation to each other.