Segmented Agricultural Wheel Protective Frame for Crop Damage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective frames for agricultural work vehicle wheels are bulky, heavy, difficult to install, and do not account for varying crop heights or terrain irregularities, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An open protective frame with three installation possibilities, including a primary fastener element secured to the wheel suspension frame, auxiliary fastener plates for inclined surfaces, and elongated stabilization segments, allowing adjustable distance from the ground and adaptable configurations for different terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If current protective frames are used, then crops are protected from wheel damage, but the frames are bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled together, allowing for a lighter overall structure while maintaining protective functionality. Each segment can be optimized individually for weight reduction without compromising the overall protective capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame utilizes thin-walled but strategically thickened sections that provide adequate protection while minimizing weight. The design employs flexible structural elements that can bend to absorb impact rather than relying on heavy rigid construction throughout.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If current protective frames are used, then crops are protected, but they take many hours to install
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into modular components that can be independently assembled and adjusted on-site, dramatically reducing installation time compared to monolithic frames that require precise fabrication and welding. The modular design allows for quick connection and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can be dynamically assembled to fit different wheel sizes and crop configurations. This dynamic assembly capability eliminates the need for time-consuming custom fabrication and installation of rigid frames.
3Strength
If current protective frames are used, then wheels are protected, but they favor dirt accumulation and do not account for crop height variations
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates adjustable height mechanisms and reconfigurable segments that can be dynamically modified to accommodate varying crop heights and terrain conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the same frame design to serve multiple agricultural applications without requiring custom fabrication for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame design is universal and can be applied to different wheel sizes, crop types, and terrain conditions through adjustable components. A single frame design serves multiple functions and applications, eliminating the need for specialized frames for each specific agricultural scenario.
4Productivity
If the protective frame is positioned closer to the ground, then crop line opening efficiency is improved, but the frame may hit the ground on uneven terrain causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the operator to dynamically optimize the frame's distance from the ground based on terrain conditions. On flat terrain, the frame can be positioned lower for maximum crop line opening efficiency, while on uneven terrain, the position can be raised to prevent ground contact and damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective frame for a wheel of an agricultural work vehicle has three installation possibilities: upper protective frame, lower protective frame and integral protective frame. The protective frames, or row openers, are designed to prevent the wheel from engaging the crops during operation. The protective frame includes a segment configured to surround at least a front portion of the wheel and a fastener. The protective frame can also include additional frame segments to form the integral protective frame, being a combined installation of the upper and lower protective frames.