Movable Spreading Discs for Fertilizer Spread Width Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural spreading vehicles face challenges in varying the spreading width in a simple and cost-effective manner, particularly when applying organic fertilizers and lime, as they often require complex pivoting mechanisms that increase design and operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

The spreading vehicle features movable spreading plates that can be adjusted linearly or as a whole, allowing for variation in spreading width by changing the feed line and rotation speed, along with independent conveyor line control, to adapt to different soil conditions and field boundaries, incorporating hydraulic and mechanical systems for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex pivoting mechanisms are used to vary spreading width, then spreading width adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespreading width adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spreading discs are made movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the cargo area floor, allowing dynamic adjustment of the feed line position. This enables the spreading width to be varied by changing the longitudinal position of the spreading discs, replacing complex pivoting mechanisms with a simpler linear adjustment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If pivoting mechanisms are used to adjust spreading pattern, then adaptability to different field conditions is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different field conditionsVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spreading discs can be moved longitudinally to adjust the feed line position, providing a simple and direct method to adapt the spreading pattern to different field conditions such as field boundaries or soil variations, without requiring complex pivoting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the longitudinal position parameter of the spreading discs relative to the cargo area floor to achieve different spreading widths and patterns. This parameter adjustment is simpler and more intuitive than angular pivoting, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design simplifies the adjustment of spreading patterns, enhances precision in fertilizer application, and reduces operational complexity, enabling effective and homogeneous distribution of fertilizers across varying field conditions while minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the angle of release and thus the shape of the trajectory of the spreading material is influenced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP4066613B1Spreading device with movable spreading discs
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 B STRAUTMANN & SOHNE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4066613B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4066613B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4066613B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7c

AI summary

The invention relates to an agricultural spreader (100) for spreading organic fertilizer and lime, comprising: - a loading compartment (10) for receiving fertilizer material, which includes two side walls (11, 12), a front wall (13), and a floor (14) with a transport device (15); - a drive device (16) for the transport device (15); - a chassis (17) with at least one axle (18); - a rear-mounted spreading unit (19) with at least two spreading discs (T1, T2) for spreading the fertilizer material, wherein the spreading discs (T1, T2) are arranged below a rear edge (20) of the floor (14). In known spreaders, the spreading width can be varied by changing the inclination of one or both spreading discs transversely to the direction of travel. The design effort for integrating the aforementioned pivoting device is relatively high.To vary the spreading width more easily, it is proposed that at least one spreading disc (T1, T2) be displaceable forwards and/or backwards in a longitudinal direction (R1, R2) relative to the rear edge (20) of the transport device (15). Displacing a spreading disc (T1, T2) relative to the cargo floor (14) shifts the feed line (37) of the material conveyed onto the spreading disc (T1, T2). This changes the throwing parameters and thus also the spreading width.