Pull-Type Row Cleaner with Pivot Leg and Spring System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing row cleaners for seeders tend to dig into the ground, causing damage and inefficiency, have a long distance between the cleaning blade and seed drop leading to residue entry into seed trenches, and are difficult to raise, especially in wet conditions, due to reliance on air cylinders prone to failure and slow reaction.
Innovation Solution
A pull-type row cleaner with a pivot leg and air or hydraulic spring system that allows remote control, mounting to either the toolbar or seeder unit, with a clearing implement behind the pivot point to avoid digging and closer to the seed drop, enabling easier operation and rapid height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a push-type row cleaner is used to fit the limited space on the seeder, then the space constraint is satisfied, but the cleaner digs into the ground causing damage and requiring protective chains or cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional push-type design by implementing a pull-type row cleaner. The cleaning blade is positioned behind the pivot point instead of in front, so that when the seeder moves forward, the blade is pulled along the ground rather than pushed. This inversion allows the blade to encounter obstructions and ride over them smoothly without digging in, eliminating the need for protective chains or cables while still fitting within the limited seeder space.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the row cleaner blade is positioned forward of the pivot point to clear residue, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the distance to seed drop increases causing residue to enter seed trenches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the cleaning blade from forward of the pivot point to behind the pivot point. This inverted positioning achieves both objectives: the blade effectively clears residue from the row as the seeder advances, while simultaneously being positioned close enough to the seed drop point to prevent airborne residue from contaminating the seed trench. The pull-type action behind the pivot point creates a sweeping motion that clears residue without propelling it forward into the seed zone.
3Force
If air cylinders are used to provide downforce for the row cleaner blades, then the blades can be forced into contact with ground and residue, but the system becomes slow to react and susceptible to heat and dust failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the air cylinder pneumatic system with a purely mechanical spring-based system. The downforce is provided by a spring mechanism that can be manually compressed and locked into position. This mechanical substitution eliminates the seals and internal components of air cylinders that are vulnerable to heat and dust, while providing sufficient downforce to press the cleaning blades into contact with the ground and residue for effective operation.
4Device complexity
If the row cleaner is mounted to require manual raising and locking, then the structure remains simple, but the operation becomes time consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual raising and locking operation with a hydraulic lift system. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the row cleaner assembly, allowing the operator to raise and lower the cleaner by controlling the hydraulic fluid flow from the tractor's hydraulic system. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation, eliminating the need for the operator to manually lift and lock the heavy cleaner assembly, especially important when operating in wet field conditions.
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 pull-type design increases the row cleaner's lifespan, reduces residue entry into seed trenches, and allows for quick and efficient height adjustment without the drawbacks of air cylinders, enhancing seeder operation and seed emergence.
Implementation Method 1
A pivot leg has a first end and a second end, the first end is pivotally mounted to the main body distal end at a pivot. The second end extends toward the main body proximal end. A clearing implement, such as a wheel is mounted to the pivot leg second end and rotates with respect the pivot leg.
Implementation Method 2
A clearing implement, such as a wheel is mounted to the pivot leg second end and rotates with respect the pivot leg.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a row cleaning device having a main body with a proximal end and a distal end, the main body proximal end is adapted to mount to a seeder. A pivot leg has a first end and a second end, the first end is pivotally mounted to the main body distal end at a pivot, the second end extends toward the main body proximal end. A clearing implement is mounted to the pivot leg second end and rotates with respect to the pivot leg. The row cleaning device is adapted to be driven by a seeder in a direction of travel with the clearing implement being located behind the pivot in the direction of travel. The pivot leg pivots with respect to the main body as the clearing implement moves along the ground in the direction of travel.