Agricultural Roller and Wheel Tread Pattern for Furrow Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines with retractable load wheels face issues such as high energy consumption, complex design, and uneven furrow formation due to the accumulation of load wheels and rollers over the working width, as well as increased maintenance costs and wear on rough tracks.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first frame with a rotatable roller and a second frame with an inflated wheel, both featuring tires with specific tread patterns and profiles that allow for parallel and equidistant furrow creation, with the wheels supporting the machine's weight during transport to reduce wear and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retractable load wheels are used in agricultural machines, then the roller can be supported above ground level during transport, but the machine becomes complex and consumes high energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load wheel and roller into a single integrated component. The roller serves dual functions: it prepares the ground during field work and supports the machine during transport, eliminating the need for separate retractable load wheels and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is designed to perform multiple functions: ground preparation during agricultural operations and load-bearing support during transport. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated transport wheels, simplifying the overall machine structure
2Ease of operation
If load wheels are retracted into the working position, then the roller can work freely on the ground, but the machine mass increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transport support function into the roller itself, eliminating the need for additional retractable load wheels. This reduces the total moving mass of the machine, thereby lowering energy consumption during field operations while maintaining full working freedom
3Device complexity
If load wheels are not retracted, then the machine structure is simpler, but undesired marks are formed in the ground affecting furrow uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a specific tread pattern design to the roller's outer surface that prevents ground marking while maintaining the ground preparation function. This localized modification of the roller's surface properties allows the wheel to remain in position without compromising furrow uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is designed to simultaneously serve as both a ground preparation tool and a transport support, eliminating the need for separate load wheels that would create marks. The specialized tread pattern enables this dual function without compromising either purpose
4Reliability
If additional mechanical elements are added to allow roller independence, then wear is reduced, but the machine mass increases and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the transport support function directly into the roller structure itself, eliminating the need for additional mechanical elements like independent support arms or linkages. This integration maintains wear resistance by keeping the roller off the ground during transport while reducing overall mechanical complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The machine has a frame and a roller including a tube mounted for rotation about an axis (XX). Another frame is connected to the former frame, and a wheel (5) includes a rim mounted for rotation about another axis (YY). The roller includes a covering (42) around the tube, where a pitch (L-P4) of transverse repeat of a pattern element (44) of the roller and a pitch (L-P5) of transverse repeat of a pattern element (54) of the wheel are equal to 10 percent. The elements define ribs (45, 55) so that the repetition and height of the ribs form parallel and equidistant furrows (11) in the earth (10).