Seed Drill Coulter Anti-Twist Plug Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sowing coulter designs face issues with securing the end piece of the seed line, particularly with the lower fixing element, leading to potential misalignment and instability, which affects the precise alignment and anti-twist functionality.
Innovation Solution
A form-fitting design for the lower fixing element with a square or rectangular cross-section plug-in element that engages with a recess on the coulter carrier, featuring a sliding guide and tabs for secure alignment and anti-rotation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without removing the discs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If round bolt pieces are used as plug-in elements, then the design is simple, but precise and pivot-free guidance for inserting the end of the seed tube is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in element is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape (rectangular, square, or polygonal) instead of a round cross-section. This asymmetric geometry provides directional guidance and prevents rotational movement during insertion, ensuring precise alignment of the seed tube end with the coulter holder while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If hook elements are arranged at the lower end and pivoting is required, then engagement behind bolts is achieved, but sufficient clearance must be maintained which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting capability is extracted and eliminated from the connection mechanism. Instead of requiring the end piece to pivot around the lower locking element, the plug-in element with asymmetric cross-section provides direct linear insertion and secure engagement, removing the need for additional clearance and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the plug-in element (rectangular, square, or polygonal) provides inherent anti-rotation functionality and precise alignment during insertion, eliminating the need for pivoting mechanisms and reducing clearance requirements while ensuring reliable engagement.
3Reliability
If the end piece is secured by additional locking elements, then the fixing is achieved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the plug-in element provides inherent anti-rotation and positioning functionality, eliminating the need for additional locking elements. The simple insertion and removal process is maintained while achieving reliable fixing through the geometric constraints of the asymmetric shape.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Seed coulter (1) with a coulter carrier (2) on which two discs (4) are arranged obliquely to the direction of travel (5) and in opposite directions in a V-shape to each other, between which the end piece (8) of at least one seed and/or fertilizer supply line opens, wherein the end piece (8) is detachably arranged on the disc carrier (2) by means of a first connecting element (9) having a fixing element and at least a second connecting element (10) designed as a plug connection on the disc carrier (2), wherein the end piece (8) of the seed and/or fertilizer supply line is detachable without requiring the disassembly of one of the discs (4), wherein the coulter carrier (2) has an upright extending area (12) to which the end piece (8) is adjacent, wherein the plug connection has at least one plug element (19) arranged on the end piece (8),wherein at least one recess (16) is arranged in this upright area of the share carrier (2) on the side adjacent to the end piece (8) and open towards the end piece (8), wherein this recess (16) is located at the level of the plug-in element (19) attached to the end piece (8), and the plug-in element (19) is designed to engage in the recess (16). In order to improve the fixation of the end piece (8) by the design of the lower fixing element, it is provided that the plug-in element (19) engages positively in the recess (16) and is designed to be rotationally secure relative to the recess (16).