Parallel Linkage Seeder with Adjustable Spring Packer Wheel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seeders face challenges in accurately controlling seeding depth due to limitations in frame stability and inability to follow ground contours, resulting in inconsistent seed placement and germination rates.

Innovation Solution

The seeder design features seeding elements with a ground opener and packer wheel that can float vertically relative to the frame, using a parallel linkage and spring arrangement to maintain consistent down force and adjust seeding depth independently, allowing for precise control of seeding depth across varying soil conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the frame is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the frame stability is improved, but the ability to follow ground contours is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe stabilityVSAvoidability to follow ground contours

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seeder is divided into multiple independently mounted seeding elements, each capable of vertical movement relative to the frame. This segmentation allows each element to independently adapt to ground contours while the overall frame maintains structural stability for transportation and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seeding elements are mounted with floating capabilities, allowing them to move vertically in response to ground variations. This dynamic mounting system enables the seeding elements to adapt to changing ground conditions while the rigid frame provides stable support for the entire seeder operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the seeding elements are fixed on the frame, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seeding depth control precision is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseeding element mounting complexityVSAvoidseeding depth control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arrangement provides a feedback mechanism that automatically adjusts the packer wheel position and seeding element depth based on ground conditions. The spring force increases as the parallel arms pivot upwardly and decreases as they pivot downwardly, maintaining consistent seeding depth without complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the packer wheel force is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying soil conditions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacker wheel force control complexityVSAvoidadaptability to varying soil conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spring arrangement creates a dynamic force application system where the spring force varies with the pivot angle of the parallel arms. As the arms pivot upwardly, the spring force increases; as they pivot downwardly, the force decreases. This automatically adapts the packer wheel force to varying soil conditions without complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring force parameter changes dynamically based on the parallel arms' pivot angle, which responds to ground conditions. This parameter change allows the packer wheel to apply appropriate force for different soil types and conditions, improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

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 ensures consistent seeding depth and pressure across different soil types, improving germination rates by allowing independent movement of seeding elements and adjusting the packer wheel's force dynamically, maintaining optimal seed placement and reducing variations in soil conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a spring arrangement applying a downward spring force on the parallel linkage to apply a downward force on the packer wheel, the spring arrangement being arranged such that the spring force increases as the parallel arms pivot upwardly and decreases as the parallel arms pivot downwardly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9271440B2Parallel linkage opener with adjustable spring loaded packer wheel

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 BUHLER EZEE ON

AI summary

An seeder includes a frame on ground wheels defining tool bars for seeding elements spaced across the frame. Each element includes a pair of parallel arms connected to the tool bar bracket forming a parallel linkage for up and down movement of a support arm connected at a rear end and carrying the packer wheel. A spring applies a downward spring force on the parallel linkage to apply a downward force on the packer wheel so that the spring force increases as the parallel arms pivot upwardly and decreases as the parallel arms pivot downwardly. A control device is arranged to raise and lower the tool bar in response to a detected value of a sensor so as to change the angle of the parallel linkage and change the spring force. A cam controlled double rack adjustment of the height of the opener allows the user to change seeding depth.