Resettable Plow Bottom With Automatic Spring Reengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plow systems are inefficient due to the need for manual resetting of shear bolts after collision with rocks, which disrupts the plowing process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A resettable plow bottom assembly with a swivel, shank stop, and adjustable switch that automatically disengages and reengages the plow bottom upon striking a rock, using a spring mechanism for automatic reengagement and an adjustable bolt to set the threshold force for disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If shear bolts are used to protect shanks from rock damage, then shank protection is improved, but plowing efficiency deteriorates due to manual resetting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The plow bottom is designed with automatic resetting capability where the shank itself performs the resetting function after disengagement. The shank is held in disengaged position by the rock until the tractor movement creates sufficient force to automatically reset it, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The shank is pre-positioned in a disengaged state before encountering rocks. The trip mechanism is pre-configured with a trip point that will automatically disengage the shank when rock impact force exceeds the threshold, preparing the system in advance to protect against damage while maintaining operational continuity.
2Strength
If manual resetting of shear bolts is required after rock collision, then shank protection is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically resets the shank after rock collision without requiring operator intervention. The mechanical design allows the shank to be held in disengaged position during rock impact and then automatically returns to engaged position when the tractor continues moving, making the resetting process self-service and eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The plowing action continues uninterrupted through rock collisions. The shank automatically disengages during rock impact and then automatically resets to continue plowing, maintaining continuous useful action without stopping the tractor or requiring manual resetting operations.
3Strength
If the plow operator must stop and manually reset each disengaged shank, then protection from rock damage is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The plow bottom system automatically handles disengagement and resetting of shanks during rock collisions without requiring operator intervention. The mechanical trip mechanism and automatic resetting design make the system self-servicing, maintaining rock damage protection while greatly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trip mechanism acts as an intermediary between the shank and the rock impact. It translates rock collision force into automatic disengagement and resetting actions, mediating the protection function while eliminating the need for direct operator involvement in the resetting process.
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 solution allows for continuous plowing without manual intervention, enhancing efficiency by automatically resetting the plow bottom and allowing for customizable threshold forces for each plow bottom, reducing damage and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism for automatic reengagement
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable bolt to set the threshold force for disengagement
Implementation Method 3
the adjustable bolt breaks at a damage threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A plow bottom is configured to be easily reset when striking a rock while plowing. The plow operator may set the force required for the plow bottom to disengage using the adjustment switch. Once the shank strikes an object, the plow bottom will disengage. The plow operator then lifts the plow assembly using the tractor to raise the plow bottoms out of the ground. A spring then forces the disengaged plow bottom to reengage. Once the plow bottom is reengaged, the plow operator lowers the plow assembly and continues plowing the land.