Agricultural Planter Wing Boom Caster Wheels Hitch Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural planters with forward-folding wing booms experience overloading and reduced maneuverability when transported due to the elongation of the hitch required to clear the wing booms, leading to structural stress and difficulty in turning, especially when using telescoping hitches.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates pivotable wing booms supported by rotating wheel assemblies that caster during transport, optimized draft links with actuators to minimize hitch extension, and a wing boom retainer for limited movement, allowing the planter to maintain stability and maneuverability while reducing load on the hitch and rear wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the telescoping hitch is extended to provide clearance for the folded wing booms, then the planter can be transported with the wing booms folded forward, but the rear wheels and hitch become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The planter is divided into functionally independent segments: the wing booms can be folded forward for transport while the hitch boom remains supported by its own wheels. This segmentation allows the transport function to be achieved without transferring the entire planter weight to the hitch, resolving the overload problem while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the telescoping hitch is extended to accommodate the folded wing booms, then clearance is provided for the tractor, but the planter's maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support functions, the hitch boom wheels independently support the hitch boom during transport, decoupling the hitch extension from the overall planter length. This allows the planter to be configured for transport without proportionally increasing the tow length, thereby preserving maneuverability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the draft links are connected farther out on the wing boom to extend the telescoping hitch for clearance, then the wing booms can clear the tractor when folded, but the connection point becomes structurally insufficient to support the draft links in the working position
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the draft link connection points to the hitch boom wheels. This allows the draft links to be optimally positioned for structural strength in the working position while the hitch boom wheels provide the necessary support and clearance capability during transport, resolving the conflict between clearance capability and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch boom wheels act as an intermediary support element between the hitch boom and the ground. This intermediary provides the necessary support during transport, allowing the draft links to be positioned for optimal strength without compromising clearance capability, as the wheels bear the load rather than the draft link connection points.
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 configuration reduces the load on the hitch and rear wheels, enhances maneuverability during transport, and maintains rigidity for seeding or fertilizing operations without compromising the structural integrity of the planter.
Implementation Method 1
The wheel assemblies are rotated downward as the wing booms are folded forward and then allowed to caster as the planter is towed
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement includes a hitch boom to which a pair of wing booms is pivotably connected. The wing booms are designed to fold forward from an extended position to a transport position. The wing booms are supported above a surface by wheels that provide the aforementioned support when the wing booms are in an extended position as well as the transport position. Maintaining surface contact of the wheels in both positions reduces the load placed on the hitch to which the hitch boom is coupled as well as the hitch boom itself. Multi-link draft links are connected between the hitch boom and the wing booms to provide support for the wing booms when the wing booms are in the extended position. The relative length of the draft links dictates how far the hitch telescopes when the wing booms are folded to the stowed or transport position.