Row Cleaner Suspension With Adjustable Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for row cleaners in agricultural implements are complex and require additional tools for adjusting down force, making them prone to loss or misplacement, especially under varying field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A simplified suspension system with a base, support, and pivotally interconnected links, utilizing a spring and adjustable pin to apply variable pressure to row cleaner blades, allowing for parallel up and down movement without external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing suspension systems are used to adjust down force on row cleaners, then variable down force can be applied to adapt to different field conditions, but the system becomes complicated and requires additional external tools for adjustment which can be lost or mislaid
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment pin serves dual purposes: it acts as both the adjusting mechanism and the locking mechanism. By simply inserting the pin at different positions along the slot, the operator can adjust and lock the down force without requiring separate tools, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the risk of losing adjustment tools in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment pin performs multiple functions within a single component: it adjusts the spring pressure, locks the linkage in position, and serves as a removable tool for field adjustments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment tools and simplifies the overall system while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If existing suspension systems with additional tools are used, then down force adjustment is possible, but the tools can be lost or mislaid during field operations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment pin is an integral part of the suspension system that remains attached to the implement. It serves as both the adjustment mechanism and the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external tools that could be lost. The pin stays with the equipment throughout field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment and locking functions are merged into a single integrated component (the adjustment pin) that is permanently attached to the suspension system. This eliminates the separation between the adjustment tool and the mechanism, ensuring the tool cannot be lost while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex suspension systems are used for row cleaner adjustment, then variable down force can be applied, but the system requires more parts and potential points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from complex suspension systems. By using a direct linkage with a slot and pin mechanism, the system removes redundant parts while retaining the essential function of variable down force adjustment, thereby improving reliability through fewer potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified system uses the adjustment pin to simultaneously perform adjustment and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or complex adjustment devices. This self-sufficient approach reduces the number of parts and potential failure points while maintaining adaptability.
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
Enables efficient and direct adjustment of down force on row cleaners, improving soil conditioning during no-till or minimum-till farming operations without the need for additional tools, ensuring effective residue removal.
Implementation Method 1
A spring has one end acting on at least one of the parallel links and at the other end on a selectively positioned abutment in the form of an adjustment pin interacting with the base to apply different pressures on the at least one link to urge the support in a ground direction
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a row cleaner used with an agricultural row unit. A base is connectable with the agricultural row unit and a support is provided for journaling row cleaner sweeper blades. Links pivotally connect the base and the support for up and down movement of the sweeper blades towards the ground. A pair of coil springs have one end connected to the upper links and the other a free end. A series of holes in the base receive an adjustment pin to provide preselected levels of downward force towards the ground.