Reversible Seed Trench Appurtenance for Planter Row Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seed trench appurtenances, such as seed firmers, often suffer damage when planters are reversed without raising the row units above the soil, leading to bent or broken brackets and appurtenances.
Innovation Solution
The development of reversible seed trench appurtenances with upper portions that can move upwardly within the mounting bracket when the planter is reversed, utilizing wedge members and biasing elements like constant force coil springs or resilient arms to prevent damage, allowing the appurtenances to pivot or translate upwardly and return to their operational position when the planter moves forward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the planter is reversed without raising the row units above the soil, then the appurtenance digs into the soil causing damage, but raising the row units prevents this damage
Solution Approach 1:
The seed trench appurtenance is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to translate upwardly along the seed tube when reversed. This dynamic adaptation enables the appurtenance to automatically adjust its position based on planter direction, preventing soil engagement during reverse operations without requiring manual intervention or complex operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The appurtenance incorporates a self-protecting mechanism where the biased appurtenance automatically translates upwardly upon reversal detection. This self-service feature eliminates the need for operator awareness or action to prevent damage, as the system autonomously protects itself from reverse-operation damage through its inherent mechanical design.
2Reliability
If the appurtenance is fixed in position, then it provides consistent seed firming, but it cannot adapt to reverse planter operations
Solution Approach 1:
The appurtenance transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position along the seed tube. The biased design enables it to occupy different positions based on planter operation direction: positioned to firm seeds during forward operation and translated upwardly during reverse operation, thus achieving both consistency in normal function and adaptability in reverse conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The appurtenance position parameter is made variable rather than fixed. By allowing the appurtenance to translate along the seed tube to different positions, the system changes its operational parameters dynamically, enabling it to adapt to different planter operation modes (forward vs. reverse) while maintaining reliable seed firming during normal operations.
3Reliability
If the appurtenance translates upwardly during reverse, then damage is prevented, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism serves a dual function: it provides the force necessary for the appurtenance to translate upwardly during reverse operations while also maintaining the appurtenance in its operational position during forward operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional complex control systems, sensors, or actuators, achieving damage prevention through a relatively simple mechanical biasing arrangement.
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
Prevents damage to seed trench appurtenances and brackets during reverse operations, ensuring continued functionality and extending the lifespan of the equipment by allowing upward movement during reverse planter operations without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a constant force coil spring configured to bias the appurtenance in the downward direction
Implementation Method 2
a resilient arm configured to bias the appurtenance in the downward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible seed trench appurtenance for a row unit of an agricultural planter. The seed trench appurtenance includes an upper portion and a trailing portion. The upper portion is received within a mounting bracket attached to the row unit of the planter. The seed trench appurtenance is movable between a normal operating position in which the trailing portion extends into the seed trench. When the row unit is reversed in a direction opposite the forward direction of travel, the seed trench appurtenance moves from the normal operating position to a reversing position in which the trailing portion is vertically above the normal operating position thereby avoiding damage to the seed trench appurtenance and the mounting bracket.