Versatile No-Till Seed Planter Frame with Adjustable Furrowing Disk
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Solution Overview
Problem
No-till planters face challenges when operating on uneven terrain, as they may not maintain a consistent narrow band of tillage, potentially damaging the frame or mounting structure due to uneven ground conditions, and require manual removal of no-till disks for conventional planting, lacking precise depth control.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a frame with a main and furrowing disk section, linked by torsion joints and motors, allowing the furrowing disk frame to adjust between high and low positions for different planting conditions, and a shifter assembly to control seed metering, enabling seamless transition between no-till and conventional planting without removing disks, with adjustable disk depth and compliance bars for terrain adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the planter operates on uneven ground, then the planter can navigate rough terrain, but the ground underneath an individual planter assembly may be substantially lower or higher than other planter assemblies, causing damage to the frame or mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The planter assembly is divided into independent units, each capable of moving vertically relative to the frame. Individual planter assemblies can be lowered to follow low ground or raised to avoid high spots, preventing damage while maintaining operation on uneven terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The planter assembly incorporates dynamic vertical movement capability through linkages and motors that allow each assembly to adjust its height independently. This dynamic adjustment enables the planter to adapt to terrain variations without compromising structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the no-till disks are manually removed from the planter, then the planter can be used for conventional planting in prepared seedbeds, but the transition between no-till and conventional planting requires time and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The furrowing disk frame section is made dynamically adjustable through linkages and motors, allowing it to be raised or lowered between high and low positions. This enables the same planter to perform both no-till and conventional planting operations without manual disk removal, eliminating transition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The planter assembly is designed to perform multiple functions - both no-till planting and conventional seedbed planting - using the same basic structure. The adjustable furrowing disk frame allows the planter to adapt its configuration for different planting methods, eliminating the need for separate equipment or manual reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the furrowing disk frame section is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the planter cannot adjust planting depth according to soil condition, moisture content and seed type
Solution Approach 1:
The furrowing disk frame section incorporates adjustable linkages and motors that enable vertical movement between high and low positions. This dynamic adjustment allows precise control of planting depth according to soil conditions, moisture content, and seed type, while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
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 solution allows no-till planters to operate effectively on uneven terrain, maintain consistent tillage, and adjust planting depth accurately, reducing damage and enhancing operational flexibility between different soil conditions and planting methods.
Implementation Method 1
a compliance bar horizontally traversing the frame. A plurality of torsion joints may be operationally positioned about the rock shaft
Implementation Method 2
at least one motor may be configured to move the furrowing disk frame section with respect to the main frame section
Implementation Method 3
at least one motor may be configured to rotate the rock shaft to position the planter assemblies in a raised position with their yokes in contact with the compliance bar
Data Source
AI summary
A seed planter comprises a frame including a main frame section and a furrowing disk frame section. A plurality of planter assemblies may be connected to the main frame section, and a plurality of furrowing disks may be connected to the furrowing disk frame section. At least one linkage may connect the main frame section and the furrowing disk frame section, and at least one motor may be configured to move the furrowing disk frame section with respect to the main frame section, wherein the at least one linkage permits the furrowing disk frame section to move to a low position for no-till planting and move to a high position for prepared seed beds or conventional planting.