Soil Cultivation Device with Segmented Tines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current soil cultivation methods are inadequate in achieving a stable soil structure and efficient processing of different soil layers, particularly in loosening and crumbling the second layer of earth while managing the transition between upper and lower layers.

Innovation Solution

A device with rotatable first tines for removing a first layer of earth and stationary second tines for processing the exposed second layer, along with a guide system to redistribute the materials, ensuring effective loosening and crumbling of the second layer, and a stone deflector to protect the device from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rotating first tines are used to remove the first layer of soil, then the topsoil can be effectively removed and distributed, but the device complexity increases due to the drive train required for rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil processing efficiencyVSAvoiddrive train complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the soil processing function into two distinct parts: rotating first tines for topsoil removal and stationary second tines for subsoil processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the drive train only needed for the first tines, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If stationary second tines are used to process the second layer of soil, then the subsoil can be effectively loosened and crumbling achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for both rotating and stationary tine systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil structure stabilityVSAvoidtine system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stationary second tines act as an intermediary between the rotating first tines and the subsoil. They receive the mechanical energy from the rotating tines and transfer it to the second soil layer, enabling effective subsoil processing without requiring the second tines to be independently powered, thus reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a guide system is added to redistribute the first layer of soil over the second layer, then a stable soil structure with improved layer transition is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil layer structureVSAvoidguide system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide system merges the soil distribution function with the existing tine processing system. The first tines both remove and initially position the topsoil, and the guide elements seamlessly integrate this material onto the processed second layer, creating a unified soil structure improvement system without requiring separate distribution equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed to handle different soil conditions with adjustable parameters, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil condition adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamic adjustability in the rotation speed of the first tines and the configuration of the stationary second tines. This allows the system to adapt to different soil conditions by modifying operational parameters rather than requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, thereby improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3545735B1Device and method for soil working
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 EDLBAUER ROLAND
  • EP3545735B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3545735B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3545735B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A soil cultivation device according to the invention comprises rotatable first tines (11) for removing a first layer of soil, a drive train for rotating the first tines with a drive and/or an interface for operative connection with a drive of a tractor detachably coupled to the device, and second tines (20) for cultivating a second layer of soil exposed by removing the first layer of soil.