Modular Tile Installation Plow for Low-Disturbance Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment for installing drain tiles causes high disturbance to the ground surface and is not customizable, making it inefficient and costly for agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
A low disturbance tile installation plow system connected to a mechanical arm of a vehicle, featuring a main body with panels that till the ground, a hydraulic tile feeder, and a dirt remover, allowing for customizable and minimally invasive installation of tiles below the ground surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing pre-assembled plows with full shape configurations are used, then the tile installation can be performed, but the shipping costs significantly increase and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plow is divided into multiple detachable components including a main body, panels, and a boot that can be separated for shipping. The main body includes a lateral bar with removable panels that can be transported separately and assembled at the installation site, significantly reducing shipping costs while maintaining full installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plow configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through removable panels and interchangeable components. Users can adjust the plow setup based on specific installation requirements, transforming a static full-configuration plow into a flexible system that ships compactly but expands to full functionality at the job site.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing non-customizable plows are used, then the tile installation can be performed, but the adaptability to user requirements and land conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plow system is segmented into modular components including interchangeable panels with different configurations, removable boots, and adjustable lateral bars. This segmentation enables users to customize the plow setup according to specific land conditions and installation requirements while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body of the plow is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple panel types and configurations. The lateral bar system supports various panel arrangements, allowing a single main body to perform multiple installation functions across different agricultural applications and ground conditions.
3Productivity
If existing plows that cause high disturbance to ground surface are used, then the tile installation can be completed, but the disturbance to surrounding ground and crops is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The plow design focuses disturbance locally to the immediate tile installation path through the boot and panel configuration. The boot directs tile placement precisely while panels are positioned to minimize lateral ground disruption, concentrating the mechanical action only where necessary for tile insertion rather than broad ground disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The plow panels and boot can be adjusted and repositioned dynamically during installation to adapt to varying ground conditions. This allows the system to maintain minimal disturbance by optimizing the切入 angle and depth for each specific location, reducing unnecessary ground disruption while completing tile installation efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A the installation plow connected to a mechanical arm of a vehicle to install a tile below a ground surface, the tile installation plow including a main body to be inserted at least partially within the ground surface, a boot removably disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the main body to direct the tile along a portion of the main body under the ground surface, and a tile cart connected to the vehicle to hold the tile thereon.