Deformable Parallelogram Hoeing Device with Forward-Inclined Connecting Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hoeing devices struggle to maintain hoeing elements in the ground, especially in hard soils, due to upward withdrawal caused by rearward force when encountering obstacles, leading to incomplete weeding.

Innovation Solution

A hoeing device with a deformable parallelogram and connecting rods oriented forward from the upper beam to the lower beam, featuring an anchor point at a height less than or equal to the lower beam, combined with a depth wheel and adjustable upper beam positioning, ensures the hoeing elements penetrate deeper into the soil even in hard conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the parallelogram is made heavier to keep the hoeing elements in the ground, then the hoeing elements maintain better contact with the soil, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehoeing element retention in groundVSAvoidparallelogram weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional orientation of the connecting rods. Instead of inclining them backward from the upper beam to the lower beam, they are inclined forward from the upper beam to the lower beam in the direction of movement. This inversion changes the kinematic response: when the hoe encounters resistance, the lower beam pivots backward relative to the upper beam, causing the hoeing elements to press deeper into the ground rather than withdraw, thereby eliminating the need for additional weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If the connecting rods are oriented forward from upper beam to lower beam, then the hoeing elements maintain or increase depth in hard soils, but the structural design becomes non-conventional requiring new anchor point positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehoeing element penetration depthVSAvoidparallelogram structural design
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the anchor point of the connecting member on the parallelogram to a new vertical dimension - specifically, at a height less than or equal to that of the lower beam, rather than the conventional higher position. This dimensional change in anchor point location, combined with the forward inclination of connecting rods, creates a novel structural configuration that enables the lower beam to pivot backward upon encountering resistance, thereby maintaining or increasing hoeing element penetration depth in hard soils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The device effectively maintains or increases the depth of hoeing elements in the ground, preventing withdrawal from hard soils and obstacles, enhancing dynamic behavior and weeding efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the lower beam pivots towards the rear of the device. Such pivoting tends to separate the lower beam from the upper beam, which translates into a downward movement of the lower beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot rotation: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a deformable parallelogram, coupled to the frame; a connecting member interposed between the frame and the deformable parallelogram

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2880969B1Hoeing device intended for being towed, comprising a deformable parallelogram supporting at least one hoeing element
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 SARL DOMINIQUE COULOT
  • EP2880969B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2880969B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2880969B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a weeding device intended to be towed by a vehicle by means of a frame (1) coupled to a deformable parallelogram (2), a connecting member (5) being interposed between the frame and the deformable parallelogram, which comprises an upper beam (20) and a lower beam (21) carrying at least one weeding tool (3) as well as ground rolling means, said beams being connected by at least one pair of connecting rods (22), characterized in that said connecting rods (22) extend from one beam to the other by being inclined, from the upper beam (20) to the lower beam (21), forwards in the direction of forward movement of the device, and in that the connecting member (5) has an anchorage point (50) with the deformable parallelogram (2) located at a height less than or equal to that of the lower beam (21).