Deformable Parallelogram Load Transfer for Seeders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed distribution systems face challenges in maintaining consistent load transfer due to ground irregularities, leading to variability in seed depth and uniformity, with mechanical spring-based systems being suboptimal and costly pneumatic or hydraulic solutions being unaffordable and complex.
Innovation Solution
Redesigning the geometry of lever arms and deformable parallelograms in seeders to create a crossing angle between the lever arms and springs, generating torque that varies with both spring tension and lever arm ratios, stabilizing load transfer across uneven terrain without pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If spring tension is increased to maintain load on seeding units, then load transfer is improved, but the load becomes excessive for agronomic needs and seed distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lever arm system movable and adjustable. The lever arm ratio can be dynamically changed to compensate for ground irregularities, allowing the system to maintain optimal load transfer while preserving seed distribution uniformity. The movable configuration enables real-time adaptation to varying terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the lever arm ratio and spring tension parameters. By adjusting these parameters through the deformable parallelogram mechanism, the system optimizes load transfer characteristics while maintaining appropriate seed distribution uniformity across different ground conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seeder machine is designed to move vertically along ground irregularities, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but load transfer to distribution system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable parallelogram with adjustable lever arm ratio provides dynamic adaptation to terrain while maintaining load transfer. The mechanism can change its configuration to follow ground irregularities vertically, yet the lever arm geometry ensures continuous load transfer to the distribution system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm system acts as an intermediary between the terrain-following mechanism and the distribution system. It mediates the vertical movements caused by ground irregularities while preserving the load transfer function, decoupling the terrain adaptation from load transfer requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If longer linking and joint means are used to favor moving along ground, then terrain following is improved, but machine dimensions increase making it too long and wide for transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable parallelogram structure implements a nested configuration where the linking mechanisms are compactly arranged within the machine framework. The lever arms and articulation points are integrated into the existing structure, providing ground-following capability without extending the overall machine dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the dimension problem by transitioning from linear extension to angular articulation. Instead of lengthening the machine horizontally, the deformable parallelogram uses vertical and angular movements to achieve ground following, effectively moving the adaptation capability to a different dimensional space.
4Device complexity
If mechanical spring-based systems are used for load transfer, then system simplicity is maintained, but load uniformity deteriorates due to spring tension variation on uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the simple mechanical spring system by adding a deformable parallelogram with adjustable lever arm ratio. This dynamic element compensates for spring tension variations caused by uneven ground, maintaining load uniformity while preserving the overall mechanical simplicity of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines mechanical springs with a geometrically deformable parallelogram structure to create a composite load transfer mechanism. This composite approach integrates the simplicity of springs with the load-uniforming capability of the lever arm geometry, achieving both objectives simultaneously.
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 enhances load uniformity and adaptability to ground irregularities, improving seeding quality and reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
generating a crossing angle between the lower and upper sides of the parallelogram which creates a torque that varies not only due to the spring tension but also to the ratio of the effective lengths of the lever arms involved
Implementation Method 2
the ratio of the effective lengths of the lever arms involved
Implementation Method 3
connected at its other end to at least one spring through a lever arm
Data Source
AI summary
The movement along the ground in seed and fertilizer distribution systems of seeder and fertilizer machines is improved by a load transfer device comprising a deformable parallelogram-shaped structure attached to the machine tool holder bar at one end and to the distribution system at the other end, and a transfer rack that articulates in one of the parallelogram vertexes acting as a rocker arm. The rocker arm is connected at one end to the parallelogram and at the other end to at least one spring through a lever arm that extends downwardly and divergently, generating a crossing angle between the parallelogram lower un upper sides, creating a torque that varies not only for the spring tension by also for the ratio of the effective lengths of the involved lever arms.