Plough Skimmer Depth Adjustment via Link-Arm Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting the depth of plough skimmers in a plough are laborious and time-consuming, especially in reversible ploughs with multiple skimmers, as they require individual adjustment of each shank, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a mounting bracket with an actuator, such as a link-arm arrangement or a rotatable disc, connected to the shank of the plough skimmer, allows for simultaneous vertical adjustment of multiple skimmers, using a threaded rod or motor for ease of operation and a locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual adjustment of each plough skimmer shank is performed using traditional bracket and screw methods, then secure positioning is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment operations for different plough skimmers are merged into a single coordinated action. The link-arm arrangement connects multiple shanks through a common adjustment mechanism, allowing simultaneous adjustment of multiple skimmers by operating a single threaded rod, thereby reducing total adjustment time while maintaining secure positioning through the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arrangement pre-aligns the shanks in vertical slots, and the link-arm mechanism pre-positions the adjustment points. When the threaded rod is rotated, the shanks are already positioned to move smoothly along their guide paths, eliminating the need for manual alignment and reducing adjustment time while ensuring proper positioning
2Productivity
If multiple plough skimmers are adjusted simultaneously on a reversible plough, then productivity is improved, but force balancing and frictional resistance become significant challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The link-arm arrangement acts as a force-balancing mechanism where the adjustment of one plough skimmer counterbalances the frictional resistance of another. When adjusting multiple skimmers simultaneously, the mechanical advantage provided by the link arms distributes the required adjustment force, reducing the total effort needed to overcome frictional resistance in the guide arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from static individual screw adjustments to a dynamic coordinated system. The threaded rod provides continuous rotational motion that translates into synchronized vertical movement of multiple shanks, allowing the system to dynamically balance forces and overcome frictional resistance more efficiently than static individual adjustments
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
Enables quick and efficient depth adjustment of plough skimmers, reducing the effort required and balancing forces on reversible ploughs, primarily overcoming frictional resistance, thus improving the ploughing process by allowing for even surface preparation and reduced plant growth from furrow slices.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement of the adjustment bracket is brought about with a threaded rod that is rotated manually by means of a spanner engaging with an end portion of the threaded rod
Implementation Method 2
A first end portion of a link arm is pivotally attached to the adjustment bracket. A second end portion of the outer arm is pivotally attached to an end portion of the shank
Implementation Method 3
The mounting bracket may include a locking bolt arranged to be able to apply a clamping force, directed towards the guide sleeve, to the shank
Implementation Method 4
When the rotatable disc, which is provided with a handle, is rotated, the shank is displaced in its longitudinal direction, as a guide bolt, which forms the engagement of the shank with the slot of the rotatable disc, follows the spiral of the slot
Data Source
Figure 1~3a
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for the depth adjustment of a plough skimmer (13, 13') on a plough (1, 1a), in which a shank (131, 131') extending up from the plough skimmer (13, 13') is adjustably attached to a guide arrangement (121, 121') in a mounting bracket (12) arranged on the plough (1, 1a), wherein an actuator (122) which is arranged on the mounting bracket (12) includes means (122') that are arranged to move the plough skimmer (13) substantially in a vertical direction, are attached to the mounting bracket (12) and are connected to an edge portion (1311, 1311') of the shank (131, 131') extending up from the plough skimmer (13, 13') into the guide arrangement (121, 121').