Sliding H-Beam Tool Attachment Structure for Adjustable Row Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural machinery lacks a versatile and efficient structure for attaching tools, such as seeding elements and fertilizer buriers, that allows easy adjustment of spacing and simplifies the transition between working and transport configurations without releasing attachment means.

Innovation Solution

A tool attachment structure with two support means, each having two contact surfaces oriented at intersecting planes, allows sliding and centering of tools on a telescopic beam, reducing material and assembly costs while enabling easy spacing adjustment and balancing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single contact surface attachment structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tool stability and centering capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment structure complexityVSAvoidtool stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure is segmented into two separate support means (first support means and second support means) instead of using a single contact surface. Each support means provides a distinct contact point on the beam, dividing the attachment function into multiple stable contact points that collectively enhance tool stability while maintaining relatively simple individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each support means is designed with specific local characteristics - the first support means contacts the beam at a first location while the second support means contacts at a second location. This local differentiation in contact positions and orientations creates stable geometric relationships that center the tool on the beam without requiring complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Length of moving object

If tools are mounted with overhang on the beam, then the working reach is increased, but the beam structural requirements and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking reachVSAvoidbeam weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support means are positioned and oriented in advance during beam design to optimize the load distribution. By pre-configuring the contact locations and orientations of the support means, the beam can be designed with minimal necessary material to handle the overhang loads, rather than requiring excessive material to accommodate arbitrary mounting configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed attachment means are used, then the tool position is stable, but the ability to adjust row spacing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool position stabilityVSAvoidrow spacing adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable system. The support means are designed to allow relative movement or repositioning along the beam while maintaining stable contact during operation. This enables the tool position to be adjusted for different row spacings while preserving stability during each working configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3556193B1Device sliding on a h-beam and agricultural machine comprising such device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 KUHN SA
  • EP3556193B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3556193B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3556193B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool attachment structure for a beam (10) of an agricultural machine (9), comprising: - a first and a second support means (30';30), - at least one tool attachment means (40, 40'), - at least one support (50, 50') for the first support means (30;30'), - at least one fastening means (60) for holding the first and second support means (30';30) against the beam (10), and for mounting the tool attachment structure (20) on said beam (10), characterized in that: the first support means (30;30') has two contact surfaces (31, 32; 31', 32') designed to come into contact with a respective support surface (101, 102; 101', 102') of the beam (10) of the agricultural machine, the first and second contact surfaces (31) each being oriented according to a respective guiding plane (P1; P1'; P2; P2'), intersecting one with the other.