Seed Drill Coulter Torque Distribution via Articulated Press Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sowing devices face challenges in ensuring optimal seed and fertilizer introduction into the soil, particularly due to soil obstacles like stones, and require a structurally simple and low-maintenance solution for even sowing depth and pressure force distribution.
Innovation Solution
An articulated connection between the coulter frame and pressure arm, combined with a single spring system and adjustable spring attachment, allows for optimal force and torque distribution, enabling the sowing coulter to adjust sowing depth and pressure force while navigating obstacles without lifting the coulter holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rigid connection between pressure arm and coulter frame is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to soil obstacles and sowing depth adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure arm is designed with articulated connections (pivot joints) to the coulter frame and coulter holder, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic system. This allows the pressure arm to pivot and adapt its position in response to soil obstacles while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of basic mechanical joints rather than complex active control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple spring systems are used for force distribution, then reliability of seed introduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spring elements are combined into a single integrated spring system that provides force distribution across the pressure arm. This merging approach maintains the reliability benefits of distributed force while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate spring assemblies and their associated mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single spring system is designed to perform multiple functions: providing force distribution, accommodating variations in soil conditions, and working in conjunction with the articulated pressure arm to achieve both sowing depth control and obstacle adaptation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while maintaining reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pressure arm is fixed in position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure arm transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic, pivotable configuration that maintains manufacturing precision through standardized pivot joints while dramatically improving ease of operation. The articulated connection allows the pressure arm to automatically adjust to terrain variations and obstacles without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If a complex adjustment mechanism is used for sowing depth control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sowing depth control system utilizes the self-weight of the pressure arm and coulter assembly, combined with the spring system, to automatically maintain the desired sowing depth. The articulated pressure arm pivots to accommodate terrain variations without requiring active control mechanisms, achieving precision through passive mechanical design rather than complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
This configuration ensures consistent seed placement by adjusting sowing depth and pressure force, allowing the sowing disc to penetrate the soil immediately after overcoming obstacles, maintaining efficient seed introduction and soil engagement.
Implementation Method 1
provision of one, in particular a single, spring system between the pressure arm and the coulter frame
Data Source
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AI summary
Seed drill with - a coulter disc (3) for introducing seed and/or fertilizer into soil (60) along a direction of travel (F), - a coulter holder (2) pivotable on a first pivot axis (6) for pivotable support and attachment of the coulter disc (3) to a coulter frame, - a press wheel (4) arranged behind the coulter disc (3) in the direction of travel F, - a press arm (5) pivotable on a second pivot axis (7) for receiving the press wheel (4) at its free end and - a spring attachment (8) attached to the press arm (5) for attaching a spring (40) between the press arm (5) and the coulter frame to generate a first torque (M1) on the first pivot axis (6) and a second torque (M2) on the second pivot axis (7).