Seed Drill Clearing Tool Depth Control via Separate Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed drills face challenges in achieving effective clearing of plant residues and clods due to inadequate depth guidance of the clearing tool, leading to inaccurate seed placement and reduced harvest yields, especially in soils with uneven conditions.
Innovation Solution
A clearing tool is connected to a support arm that is pivotally connected to the frame, with a separate depth guide means that is mounted on the ground, allowing for improved depth control and preventing the tool from sinking too deeply or being raised excessively, ensuring optimal clearing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the clearing tool is integrated with the depth guide means on a common shaft, then the structure is simplified, but the depth guidance function is compromised and the clearing tool cannot be optimally designed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the previously integrated assembly into separate functional components: the clearing tool is mounted on the support arm independently from the depth guide means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the clearing tool for effective clearing and the depth guide means for accurate depth control - while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth guide means is extracted from the clearing tool assembly and mounted separately on the support arm. This extraction eliminates the functional interference between the two components, allowing the depth guide means to be positioned optimally for ground contact while the clearing tool focuses on its clearing function without structural constraints.
2Productivity
If the clearing tool is allowed to sink deeply into the ground, then it can clear more material, but it cannot effectively clear plant residues and clods in front of the coulter
Solution Approach 1:
The depth guide means provides continuous feedback to the support arm about the ground surface position. As the seed drill moves over uneven terrain, the depth guide means contacts the ground and automatically adjusts the support arm angle, which in turn adjusts the clearing tool's working depth. This feedback mechanism ensures the clearing tool maintains optimal depth for effective clearing without sinking too deeply.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is designed to be movable relative to the frame through a pivot joint, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clearing tool's working depth. Combined with the depth guide means, this creates a dynamic system that automatically adapts to varying ground conditions, maintaining optimal clearing performance across uneven terrain.
3Reliability
If the conically shaped ring is used to control depth, then the clearing tool is prevented from sinking too deep, but the small diameter causes material to be pushed in front forming a wedge that raises the clearing tool
Solution Approach 1:
The depth control function is extracted from the clearing tool itself and implemented through a separate depth guide means that contacts the ground independently. This eliminates the problem of the conically shaped ring pushing material in front, as the depth guide means is positioned to contact the ground without interfering with the clearing tool's operation or the material flow in front of it.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth guide means acts as an intermediary between the ground and the support arm. Instead of the clearing tool directly interacting with the ground through a conical ring, the depth guide means serves as a mediator that transfers ground contact information to the support arm, enabling depth control without material interference.
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
The improved depth guidance enhances the clearing effect, resulting in more precise seed placement and increased harvest yields by maintaining a consistent working depth across varying soil conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a depth guide means mounted separately from the clearing tool is connected to the support arm and is supported on the ground during operation of the seed drill
Implementation Method 2
a support arm which is pivotally connected to the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a seed drill (1) with an arrangement of a seed coulter (3) attached to a frame (2), wherein a clearing tool (5) is arranged upstream of the seed coulter (3) in the working direction (A) of the seed drill (1). In order to improve the working performance of the clearing tool (5), it is proposed that the clearing tool (5) be fixedly connected to a support arm (7) which is movably connected to the frame (2), and that a depth control element (8) which is mounted separately from the clearing tool (5) is connected to the support arm (7) and which rests on the ground (B) during operation of the seed drill (1).