Reversible Plow Variable Clamping Force Overload Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reversible plows face unsatisfactory plowing results due to individual plow bodies giving way under different soil conditions, despite the presence of overload protection, as they encounter varying soil compaction and obstacles.

Innovation Solution

The clamping force generator of the first plow body is designed to produce a greater holding force than subsequent plow bodies, with adjustable hydraulic cylinder pressures and larger effective piston areas for the first, third, and fourth plow bodies to manage more compacted soil conditions, ensuring consistent operation and overload protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the same clamping force is applied to all plow bodies, then the structure is simple and uniform, but the first plow body gives way more quickly under highly compacted soil conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to different soil conditionsVSAvoidComplexity of clamping force generator configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different clamping forces to different plow bodies based on their specific working conditions. The first plow body receives a higher clamping force from its clamping force generator compared to other plow bodies, as it operates in highly compacted soil conditions created by the tractor track. This local differentiation of clamping force ensures each plow body is appropriately matched to its operational environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of clamping force from a uniform value across all plow bodies to variable values based on position and soil conditions. Specifically, the clamping force generator for the first plow body is configured to provide a higher clamping force than those for other plow bodies, adapting the mechanical parameter to match the varying soil compaction levels encountered at different positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the first plow body is positioned next to the tractor track, then it processes highly compacted soil, but it gives way more quickly under the same clamping force

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePlowing performance consistencyVSAvoidStability of first plow body
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a preliminary counteracting force (higher clamping force) to the first plow body before it encounters obstacles or highly compacted soil conditions. The clamping force generator is pre-configured to exert a greater holding force on the first plow body, creating resistance in advance that prevents premature giving way when the plow body encounters the highly compacted soil next to the tractor track.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 configuration prevents the first plow body from being deflected by soil conditions more easily than others, maintaining even plowing performance and protecting against obstacles while ensuring overload protection for all plow bodies.

Implementation Method 1

The piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder acts on the holding frame, so that the plow body can be pivoted against the force of the hydraulic cylinder as an overload safety element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The clamping force generators can be compression springs or tension springs that are factory-designed to generate the desired clamping forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2944169B1Reversible plough
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2944169B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2944169B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2944169B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a reversible plow 1 with a plow frame 6 which can be rotatably and/or pivotably attached to a mounting frame 2 for connecting the reversible plow 1 to an agricultural tractor 3, and with rows of plowshares 8, 9 with plow bodies 9 arranged on opposite sides of the plow frame 6, wherein by a rotary movement of the plow frame 6 initiated via a drive device, either one or the other row of plowshares 8, 9 can be selectively moved into its operating position or into its out-of-service position, and wherein each plow body 9 is pivotably supported on the plow frame 6 against the force of a clamping force generator as an overload protection element.In order to provide a reversible plow with improved working results, it is provided that the clamping force generator, as an overload protection element, of at least the first plow body 9 in the working direction of the reversible plow 1 is designed to generate a greater clamping force than the clamping force generator of the last plow body 9 in the working direction of the reversible plow 1.