Parallel Arm Row Cleaner Geometry Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing row cleaner and closing systems fail to maintain optimal geometry and angle with changing terrain, leading to inefficient row cleaning and closing actions, and require complex adjustments for optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A compact parallel arm configuration that allows row cleaners and closers to move vertically without altering the angle of the closing/cleaning wheels, using a spring bias or pneumatic/hydraulic systems to maintain a constant orientation and depth of soil engagement, and a single lever interface for adjusting the angle of penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If row cleaners and closers are allowed to move vertically with terrain changes, then adaptability to varying terrain is improved, but the geometry and angle of the closing/cleaning wheels change leading to inefficient operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying terrainVSAvoidefficiency of row cleaning and closing actions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the row cleaner and closer assemblies to move vertically relative to the ground through a parallel arm mechanism, while maintaining constant wheel orientation. The parallel arm configuration enables the wheels to follow terrain elevation changes without altering their angle of attack, thus dynamically adapting to terrain while preserving optimal closing and cleaning geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If complex adjustments are made to maintain optimal geometry, then manufacturing precision of row cleaning and closing operations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of row cleaning and closing operationsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The parallel arm mechanism dynamically maintains optimal wheel geometry through its structural design rather than complex adjustments. The parallel configuration of the arms ensures that as the assembly moves vertically, the closing and cleaning wheels maintain a constant angle relative to the ground, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while preserving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through the parallel arm mechanism's inherent geometry. As the row cleaner and closer assemblies move with terrain changes, the parallel arm structure automatically maintains the optimal angle of the wheels without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are provided for optimal performance, then adaptability of row cleaning and closing operations is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of row cleaning and closing operationsVSAvoidease of adjustments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The parallel arm mechanism provides self-adjusting functionality that automatically adapts to terrain changes while maintaining optimal wheel geometry. This eliminates the need for multiple manual adjustment mechanisms, allowing the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions without requiring complex operator interventions, thus improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient and consistent row cleaning and closing operations across varying terrain, reducing soil engagement depth and pressure while maintaining optimal positive closing action, and simplifies adjustments through a single lever interface.

Implementation Method 1

using a spring bias or pneumatic/hydraulic systems to maintain a constant orientation and depth of soil engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Implementation Method 2

using a spring bias or pneumatic/hydraulic systems to maintain a constant orientation and depth of soil engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic system:

Implementation Method 3

using a spring bias or pneumatic/hydraulic systems to maintain a constant orientation and depth of soil engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic system:

Data Source

PatentUS10918007B2Wireless control system for row planting systems

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 MARTIN RONALD S

AI summary

An apparatus and system for adjustably controlling the position and depth of row closer wheels in no-till planting applications, the apparatus comprising a frame, a piston movably secured at the top to the frame, upper and lower parallel arms disposed about the piston and movably secured at one end to the frame and at the other end to a hub stem, and a set of piston arms each movably secured at the top to one of the upper or lower parallel arms and at the other end to the bottom of the piston. A closing wheel assembly having a closing wheel frame and a set of closing wheels pivotally mounted to a lever on a single axle assembly allows the operator to change the angle at which the closing wheels intersect the ground surface during use. Accordingly, as the angle of the lever is manipulated, the angle of the closing wheel pivotally mounted to that lever changes in the vertical and/or horizontal dimensions.