Multi-part Sector-shaped Stirring Element for Agricultural Spreader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural spreader stirring devices require laborious processes for replacing or adjusting stirring elements due to their one-piece design, necessitating partial dismantling of the agitator shaft and increased risk of contamination and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part, preferably two-part, sector-shaped stirring element design allows for easy assembly and disassembly without dismantling the agitator shaft, with sector-shaped sections that can be connected and disconnected easily, reducing the need for tools and minimizing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If one-piece stirring elements are used on the agitator shaft, then the stirring structure is simple, but the replacement and adjustment of stirring elements becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestirring structure complexityVSAvoidtime for replacing stirring elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stirring element is divided into multiple sector-shaped sections that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each section can be separately removed from the agitator shaft without dismantling the entire stirring element, enabling quick replacement and adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If stirring elements are fastened with bolts and screw connections, then the connection is secure, but the replacement process requires tools and becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sector-shaped sections are designed with self-latching mechanisms that enable secure attachment to the agitator shaft without requiring external fastening tools. The sections can be manually assembled and disassembled by hand, eliminating the need for bolts, screws, or other fastening tools while maintaining a secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of repair

If the agitator shaft must be partially dismantled for stirring element replacement, then individual elements can be accessed, but the risk of contamination and safety hazards increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of stirring elementsVSAvoidcontamination risk and safety hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stirring element is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently removed from the agitator shaft. This allows individual sections to be accessed and replaced without dismantling the entire shaft or exposing the operator to hazardous rotating components, thereby reducing contamination risk and improving safety while maintaining ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stirring elements are used to handle varying material properties, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to material propertiesVSAvoidassembly and disassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stirring element is divided into multiple identical or varied sector-shaped sections that can be independently assembled on the agitator shaft. This segmentation allows the operator to quickly configure the number and arrangement of stirring sections according to different material properties, achieving high adaptability without increasing assembly complexity since each section uses the same simple attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3763187B1Agricultural spreader with stirring device
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3763187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3763187B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3763187B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Distribution machine, in particular agricultural distribution machine, for spreading granular material, in particular seed and/or fertilizer, comprising at least one storage container (10) for storing the material to be spread, at least one discharge area (11) arranged in the lower region of the storage container (10) with at least one rotating agitator (14) arranged within the storage container (10), wherein the agitator (14) comprises at least one agitator shaft (15) and at least one agitator element (20), preferably designed as a disc, and wherein the agitator element (20) is preferably arranged non-rotatably on the agitator shaft (15).In order to design a stirring device (14) with at least one stirring element (20) in such a way that the at least one stirring element (20) is particularly easy to assemble for an operator, it is provided that the stirring element (20) is designed in multiple parts, preferably in two parts, and that the stirring element (20) at least partially, preferably completely, encloses the stirring shaft (15).