Reversible Subsoiler Tool with Protected Quick-Release Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversible tools for agricultural subsoilers face difficulties in reversal and exchange due to wear on fixing bolt heads, which are often located near working surfaces and subjected to soil contact, making normal operation and removal challenging, often requiring cutting of bolts.
Innovation Solution
A reversible tool design featuring a plate-like body with chisels at opposed ends, using a quick-release pin and split pin mechanism that allows for secure attachment and easy rotation, positioning coupling means on protected surfaces to prevent wear and facilitate installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fixing bolts are positioned near working surfaces for secure attachment, then tool fixation strength is improved, but bolt heads are subjected to continuous soil contact causing wear that prevents normal operation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is divided into two separate components: a first fixing element (bolt) that provides secure attachment through the plate to the anchor member, and a second fixing element (retaining ring) that secures the first fixing element from the opposite side. This segmentation allows the bolt head to be positioned on the protected rear surface away from soil contact, while still achieving strong fixation through the combined action of both elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the bolt and the plate. It receives the bolt from one side and secures it against the plate from the opposite side, enabling the bolt head to remain on the protected surface while still providing secure attachment. The retaining ring transfers the securing function without requiring the bolt head to be exposed to soil.
2Ease of operation
If quick-release connectors are used for easy exchange, then ease of operation is improved, but reversible mounting capability is lost requiring tool replacement when chisel wears
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is designed to be dynamically reversible through the combination of the bolt and retaining ring mechanism. The retaining ring can be removed to allow bolt extraction, enabling the tool to be detached and reversed for alternative use. This dynamic design maintains reversibility while providing quick-release functionality, as the simple two-element system can be rapidly assembled and disassembled.
3Ease of operation
If bolt heads are exposed for normal spanner operation, then ease of removal is improved, but wear from continuous soil contact prevents normal operation requiring cutting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the bolt head exposed on the front surface for spanner operation, the design inverts the arrangement by positioning the bolt head on the protected rear surface. The retaining ring provides the external engagement feature for spanner operation from the opposite side, reversing the traditional configuration to protect the bolt from soil contact while maintaining ease of removal.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A reversible tool (6) for agricultural subsoilers and the like includes an elongate plate-like body (7), at the opposite ends of which respective chisels (8a, 8b) are defined, and fixing means for the tool, comprising quick- release connectors, for fixing said body to the free end (3a) of an anchor member (3) of a subsoiler (1) reversibly so as to present in the working position one or the other of said chisels.