Residue Shield for Row Cleaner on Agricultural Planting Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low-till and no-till agricultural practices, residue from previous harvests can hinder seed germination and growth by 'hair pinning' under the seed or failing to allow soil warming, especially in soft soils and colder climates, due to inadequate residue removal by existing row cleaners.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a residue shield configured to protect rows from residue thrown or moved by adjacent row cleaners, utilizing rolling disks or other forms that engage the soil surface with minimal pressure to follow contours and prevent residue from entering the furrow, ensuring a clear path for seed placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a row cleaner is used to move residue from the planting path, then residue removal is improved, but residue can be thrown or moved into adjacent rows causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
A residue shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the row cleaner and adjacent rows. The shield intercepts and redirects residue that would otherwise be thrown into neighboring rows, allowing the row cleaner to effectively remove residue from the planting path without causing harmful residue accumulation in adjacent rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The residue management function is segmented into two distinct components: the row cleaner that handles residue removal from the planting path, and the residue shield that handles residue redirection to prevent contamination of adjacent rows. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function, improving overall effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional tillage is used to prepare the field, then seed germination conditions are improved, but soil moisture is reduced and erosion is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful residue is selectively extracted from the planting path using the row cleaner, which removes only the narrow strip of residue directly in the seed placement area. This extraction approach maintains the beneficial residue cover in the inter-row areas, preserving soil moisture and preventing erosion while eliminating germination barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different residue management approaches are applied to different locations: complete residue removal is applied locally to the planting path where seeds will be placed, while residue retention is maintained in the inter-row areas where it provides soil conservation benefits. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between germination needs and soil protection.
3Loss of substance
If residue is left in the field for no-till practices, then soil moisture is preserved and erosion is reduced, but seed germination is hindered by residue accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete residue removal or complete residue retention, the system applies partial action by removing only the specific portion of residue that directly contacts the seed placement area. This partial removal is sufficient to enable germination while preserving the majority of residue for soil moisture retention and erosion prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural planting machine includes a frame, a row unit supported by the frame, the row unit comprising a disk opener configured to create a furrow for planting agricultural material in a first row and a row cleaner disposed in a path of the disk opener and configured to move residue from the path. A residue shield is configured to shield a second row from the residue.