Pivoting V-Blade Soil Implement for Accurate Seeding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil working and sowing/fertilizing implements tend to disturb the soil excessively and can damage tool shanks due to twisting loads from roots or stems, and they often require multiple tynes and seed boots, leading to inaccurate seed or fertilizer placement, especially in unworkable areas.
Innovation Solution
A soil working and sowing/fertilizing implement with a blade assembly that allows limited pivotal movement about a vertical axis, featuring a V-shaped configuration of blades and feed tubes for simultaneous soil tilling, seed, and fertilizer application, ensuring accurate placement of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid cutting blades are used to sever roots or stems, then the cutting function is improved, but the implement disturbs the soil more than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade is mounted on a holder that can pivot about a vertical axis, transforming the rigid fixed mounting into a dynamic adjustable mounting. This allows the blade to self-adjust its angle and position when encountering roots or stems, maintaining effective cutting while reducing unnecessary soil disturbance through more controlled engagement
2Strength
If cutting knives are rigidly secured to tool shank in V-shaped configuration, then the cutting function is improved, but the tool shank may be damaged by twisting loads from large stems or roots
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is mounted to allow pivotal movement about a vertical axis, converting the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic joint. This pivotal mounting absorbs and redirects twisting loads that would otherwise be transmitted to the tool shank, protecting the shank from damage while maintaining cutting effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary between the cutting blade and the tool shank. It provides a pivot point that mediates the transmission of forces, allowing the blade to engage roots and stems while the holder absorbs the twisting moments through rotational movement, preventing direct transmission of damaging torsional loads to the shank
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tynes and seed boots are used for sowing and fertilizing, then the functionality is improved, but the mounting wear causes inaccurate seed or fertilizer placement
Solution Approach 1:
The seed and fertilizer delivery system is merged with the blade assembly holder, with feed tubes integrated into the holder structure. This unified design ensures that as the blade assembly pivots and adjusts, the delivery system maintains consistent relative positioning, eliminating placement inaccuracies caused by differential wear between separate mounted components
Solution Approach 2:
The holder serves multiple functions: it supports the cutting blade, provides pivotal movement capability, and integrates the seed and fertilizer feed tubes. This multi-functional integration ensures that all delivery components move together as a unified assembly, maintaining accurate placement despite the dynamic operation and wear conditions
4Strength
If heavy gauge construction is used for weeding implements, then the cutting function is improved, but the implement disturbs the soil excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The implement uses a dynamic pivotal mounting system that allows the blade assembly to self-adjust during operation. This enables lighter construction compared to rigid heavy-duty implements, as the dynamic adjustment mechanism provides the necessary control and adaptability without requiring excessive structural strength, thereby reducing soil disturbance
Data Source
AI summary
An implement for working of the ground or soil and applying seed, fertilizer or other materials into the ground which comprises a blade assembly mountable to an upright tool shank such as to allow at least limited pivotal movement of the blade assembly about a generally vertical axis, the blade assembly comprising blades which extend transversely relative to the shank and which are preferably in a V-shaped configuration, and one or more feed tubes which extend longitudinally of the blade or blades on the rear side thereof for supplying seed, fertilizer or other materials into the ground during the ground or soil working process.