Self-Propelled Transfer Device with Integrated Spreader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural and livestock equipment lacks a self-propelled solution that combines the functions of load transfer and input spreading, often requiring separate tractors for each task, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs due to the need for multiple equipment setups and manual oversight.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled, multi-purpose transfer device that integrates load transfer and input spreading capabilities, allowing for single equipment operation with visual control and autonomy, reducing the need for tractors and enhancing operational flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate equipment is used for load transfer and input spreading, then each function can be performed by specialized equipment, but the number of equipment pieces increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the load transfer function (conveyor belt system) and input spreading function (sprinkler system) into a single integrated equipment unit. The transfer device includes both a conveyor belt for transporting loads and sprinklers for spreading inputs, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing the total number of machines required on farm operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The equipment is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer various types of loads (grains, fertilizers, limestone, sand) using the conveyor belt, and simultaneously spread different inputs (fertilizers, lime, sand) using the sprinklers. This multi-functional design allows a single piece of equipment to replace multiple specialized machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a tractor is used to tow the transfer device, then the transfer device can be moved, but the tractor cannot perform other tasks and operational delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidtask scheduling delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is equipped with its own propulsion system (self-propelled mechanism) allowing it to move independently without requiring a tractor. This self-service capability enables the equipment to navigate fields autonomously, perform tasks, and return to storage or loading areas without tying up a tractor, thereby freeing the tractor for other agricultural operations and eliminating scheduling delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the operator stays in the tractor, then the operator has a clear view, but the operator cannot visualize the loading operation and load distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual monitoring capabilityVSAvoidload distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The operator's cabin is positioned on the transfer device itself rather than in a separate tractor, providing direct visual contact with the loading and spreading operations. This positioning allows the operator to monitor load distribution in real-time and make immediate adjustments to ensure uniform distribution of inputs across the field, creating a feedback loop between observation and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

By relocating the operator's cabin from the tractor to the transfer device, the operator gains a new vantage point that is vertically and spatially positioned directly over the operational area. This dimensional change in operator positioning enables direct visualization of the loading and spreading processes that was previously impossible from the tractor position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If conventional sprinklers are used, then inputs can be spread, but the ground is compacted and the equipment is very heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput spreading capabilityVSAvoidequipment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sprinklers are integrated directly into the transfer device structure, positioning the spreading mechanism at the local area where inputs need to be applied. This localized integration eliminates the need for heavy separate sprinkler equipment and allows for precise targeting of input application areas, reducing overall equipment weight while maintaining spreading productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10182523B2Self-propelled, multiple-use transfer device with feed spreader

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 LIRA DEVOCIR ANTONIO

AI summary

“SELF-PROPELLED, MULTI-PURPOSE TRANSFER DEVICE”, as described in the report and in the attached illustrations, is an equipment used in general agriculture and livestock activities to transfer products to another suitable equipment or place, containing the additional function of spreading products in the soil, therefore called self-propelled. The equipment presents as a differential the fact that it brings together multiple functions such as the possibility of transferring and spreading products in the field or in other applications, such as in sandpits.