Seeding Apparatus Four-Bar Linkage Downforce Traction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous seeders face challenges in achieving sufficient downforce for trench creation due to the lightweight nature of these machines, leading to inadequate traction and soil damage.

Innovation Solution

The seeding apparatus employs a four-bar linkage mechanism where the opening device leads the connection to the frame, deriving downforce from the horizontal force generated by driven ground-engaging wheels, thereby enhancing traction without additional machine weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the opening device is mounted to create sufficient downforce for trench creation, then the trench depth and quality are improved, but the weight on ground-engaging wheels is reduced leading to insufficient traction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownforce on opening deviceVSAvoidtraction of ground-engaging wheels

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the opening device trailing the connection point to the frame as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the arrangement by having the opening device lead the connection point. This inversion allows the horizontal force from the driven wheels to be converted into downward force on the opening device through the four-bar linkage mechanism, simultaneously achieving both traction and downforce without additional weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic four-bar linkage mechanism that converts the horizontal motion and force from the driven wheels into vertical downforce on the opening device. This dynamic force transformation allows the system to adaptively generate sufficient downforce during operation without requiring the opening device to be permanently heavy or the machine to carry excessive weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If additional machine weight is added to provide sufficient downforce for trench creation, then the downforce is improved, but the lightweight nature of autonomous seeders is compromised and soil damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownforce on opening deviceVSAvoidsoil damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement where the opening device trails the connection point. By having the opening device lead the connection point and using the four-bar linkage to convert horizontal wheel force into vertical downforce, the system achieves sufficient downforce without adding machine weight, thereby preventing soil damage while maintaining the lightweight autonomous seeder design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Force

If the opening device is pushed through the four-bar linkage using wheel weight, then downforce is generated, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownforce on opening deviceVSAvoidfour-bar linkage mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The four-bar linkage mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the downforce needed for trench creation, maintains the geometric relationship between the opening device and the frame, and converts the horizontal force from the driven wheels into vertical force. This multi-functionality justifies the mechanism complexity by eliminating the need for separate downforce application systems and additional weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effective trench creation with improved traction and reduced soil damage, optimizing the use of lightweight seeding robots for precision farming.

Implementation Method 1

the downforce is thereby derived from the horizontal force generated by the driven ground-engaging wheels as the opening device is 'pushed' through the four-bar linkage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

better traction is achieved without compromising downforce

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12239043B2Seeding apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 AGCO INT GMBH

AI summary

A seeding apparatus includes a frame supported on ground-engaging wheels, an opening device for creating a trench, a seed reservoir, and seed dispensing apparatus configured to deposit seed in the trench. The opening device is mounted to the frame by a four-bar linkage having first and second link arms. Each of the first and second link arms is pivotably connected to the frame by respective first and second pivot joints, and to the opening device by respective third and fourth pivot joints disposed forwardly of the first and second pivot joints. The opening device is ‘pushed’ through the soil via the four-bar linkage.