Planter Suspension Assembly with Interchangeable Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planters have only one type of suspension, either pivoting or pantographic, making it necessary to purchase a second implement or retrofit the existing one to adapt to varying soil conditions, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system for planters that allows the opening disc to exhibit both pivoting and pantographic movements by using a first and second arm with interchangeable flanges, enabling the disc to follow soil irregularities without major changes to the implement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a planter is equipped with only one type of suspension (pivoting or pantographic), then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying soil conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with multiple attachment points (first and second attachment points) that can accommodate both pivoting and pantographic suspension arms. This universal holder structure allows a single planter to perform multiple suspension functions, enabling adaptation to different soil conditions without requiring separate specialized implements.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system allows dynamic switching between pivoting and pantographic configurations through interchangeable arms and flanges. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the planter to adapt its suspension characteristics based on real-time soil conditions, transitioning from a static single-function system to a dynamic multi-function system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second implement is purchased to provide different suspension types, then the adaptability to soil conditions is improved, but the loss of substance (cost) increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring two separate planters (one with pivoting suspension, another with pantographic suspension), this invention provides a single universal planter that can accommodate both suspension types through the multi-point holder design. This eliminates the need to purchase a second implement while maintaining the ability to adapt to different soil conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable flange design allows users to discard (remove) the current suspension configuration and recover (install) a different one as needed. This modular approach enables cost-effective adaptation by replacing only the necessary suspension components rather than entire implements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retrofitting is performed to change suspension type, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into modular components (holder, arms, flanges) that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows for quick configuration changes by simply swapping the arm and flange components rather than performing complex retrofitting operations on the entire planter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables dynamic reconfiguration of the suspension system through simple component interchangeability. The holder's multiple attachment points and standardized flange interfaces allow for rapid switching between pivoting and pantographic modes without time-consuming welding or structural modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension set for an agricultural implement includes a first arm, a holder attached to a portion of a chassis of the agricultural implement, the holder comprising an attachment point for receiving the first arm to allow pivoting of the first arm, a first flange associated with the first arm, and at least a disc associated with the first arm via the first flange. The holder comprises a second attachment point to receive a second arm to allow pivoting of the second arm. The first flange is replaced by a second flange when the second arm is inserted. The second flange is associated with the first and second arms and with the disc. Receipt of the second arm and replacement of the first flange by the second flange provides a pantographic movement to the disc.