Fold-away Seed Drill Offset Deformable Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seed drills with a 6m working width cannot be increased without exceeding road width limits, restricting their use and requiring folding mechanisms that do not allow for sufficient ground clearance for rough terrain.
Innovation Solution
The deformable mechanisms are offset relative to each other, allowing them to cross over in the transport position, extending beyond the median vertical plane to maintain road gauge compliance while increasing working width and reducing height for improved ground clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the working width of the seed drill is increased beyond 6m, then the sowing capacity and productivity are improved, but the overall width exceeds road width limits and cannot be transported legally
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse beam is divided into a fixed central section and two movable lateral sections. Each lateral section can be independently folded and raised above the central section, allowing the working width to be reduced for transport while maintaining the full 9m sowing capacity during field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral sections are moved from a horizontal arrangement (affecting width) to a vertical arrangement (affecting height) during transport. This dimensional transformation allows the seed drill to comply with road width limits while preserving the ability to achieve 9m working width when deployed in the field.
2Length of moving object
If the lateral sections are folded above the central section for transport, then the road width limit is respected, but the overall height increases and ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable mechanisms with offset articulations dynamically adjust the position of lateral sections. The offset design allows the sections to be folded in a manner that reduces overall height while maintaining road width compliance, enabling the seed drill to adapt its configuration for both transport and field operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the deformable mechanisms are positioned symmetrically, then the structural balance is maintained, but the overall width in transport position exceeds road gauge limits
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable mechanisms are positioned with an offset relative to the central section, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry allows the lateral sections to be folded in a compact arrangement that reduces the overall transport width to comply with road gauge limits, while the structural design maintains sufficient balance and stability during operation.
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 allows for a 9m working width while adhering to road width and height regulations, enhancing stability and ground clearance for smoother operation on various terrains.
Implementation Method 1
controlled by an operating jack (9)
Implementation Method 2
linked to a lever (11) by means of a joint (12) with an axis that is substantially horizontal and parallel to the direction of advance (A)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a seed drill (1) comprising a chassis (2) with a substantially horizontal transverse beam (3) over which seeding elements (4) are regularly distributed, said transverse beam (3) having a central section (5) and two lateral sections (6) arranged either side of the central section (5) in a working position and lifted substantially above said central section (5) in a transport position. Each lateral section (6) is connected to said chassis (2) by means of a respective arm (7) and can be transversely and vertically displaced in relation to said chassis (2) by means of a deformable mechanism (8) controlled by an actuating cylinder (9). The seed drill is characterised in that a deformable mechanism (8) is staggered in relation to the other deformable mechanism taking into account the direction of advancement (A).