Reversible Plough Wheel Locking for Stable Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reversible plows with combined wheels face issues such as improper engagement of the locking mechanism, leading to damage during turning and loss of control over working depth, especially when the wheel is not properly engaged in different configurations.

Innovation Solution

A combined wheel device with a pivot joint and tilting axis, equipped with locking surfaces and antagonistic control means, ensures stable locking and control of the wheel's position through elastic and actuator mechanisms, allowing reliable switching between working and transport configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the locking device relies solely on plow mass to engage the combined wheel, then the structure remains simple, but the locking mechanism can get stuck in unsuitable positions during turning and cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking device structureVSAvoidlocking mechanism engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A control means is introduced as an intermediary between the plow mass and the locking mechanism. This control means actively manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking device, preventing it from getting stuck during turning operations while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is transformed from a static mass-dependent system to a dynamic system with active control. The control means allows the locking device to adapt its engagement state based on operational conditions, enabling reliable locking during plowing and safe disengagement during turning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the locking device is not properly engaged in transport position, then the wheel can rotate freely around the pivot axis, but the plow loses stability and control over working depth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel rotation freedomVSAvoidplow configuration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control means provides feedback-based management of the locking mechanism. It monitors the plow's operational state and actively controls the locking device to maintain appropriate engagement levels, ensuring stability during plowing while allowing controlled freedom during transport operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution provides stable, durable, and easy-to-engage locking of the combined wheel, preventing damage and maintaining control over working depth, even on uneven terrain, enhancing the plow's operational reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

locking surfaces, preferably flat, whose mutual contact blocks the rotation of the support arm around said tilting axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

two mutually antagonistic means for controlling this contact, at least one of which is a controllable actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4147547B1Reversible plough with a locking system for a combined wheel
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 KUHN-HUARD SAS
  • EP4147547B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4147547B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4147547B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a reversible plow mounted in working configuration comprising a frame equipped with a combined wheel device (4') and, on the other hand, a hitch head for attaching it to a tractor vehicle, said frame being able to switch reversibly from one working configuration to the other and in transport configuration, said combined wheel device (4') comprising at least one support arm (8) carrying the wheel (4') and a tilting axle (AX3) allowing the wheel (4') with its support arm (8) to tilt under the effect of its own weight when the frame is turned over.Plough characterized in that said blocking means (9, 10) comprise respective blocking surfaces (9', 10') whose mutual contact blocks the rotation of the support arm (8) around said tilting axis (AX3) and in that it comprises two means (11, 12) for controlling this contact, mutually antagonistic and of which at least one (12) is a controllable actuator.