Split Axle Shaft-Hub Assembly for Agricultural Planters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft-hub assemblies for cutting disks in planters and subsoilers lack adjustability and durability, leading to instability and premature wear due to loose connections and exposure to dust, which results in frequent replacements and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A shaft-hub assembly featuring a split shaft with adjustable settings, tapered rollers, rubber retainers for lubricant, felt dust covers, and latches to prevent internal part escape, providing enhanced durability and stability by allowing for adjustments and protecting against dust and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shaft-hub assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks adjustability leading to instability and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted and repositioned along the shaft length. This segmentation allows the assembly to adapt to different wear patterns and operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity through connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft-hub assembly transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The shaft segments can be repositioned and resecured at different locations, allowing the assembly to adapt to changing operational conditions and wear patterns over time.
2Reliability
If protective covers are not used, then the structure is simpler, but dust exposure causes frequent wear and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Felt protective covers are used to shield the shaft-hub interface from dust and contaminants. These flexible protective elements effectively block dust ingress while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction, and can be easily replaced when worn.
Solution Approach 2:
Protective covers are installed in advance to prevent dust and contaminants from reaching the shaft-hub interface. This preventive protection reduces wear and extends the service life of the assembly by shielding critical surfaces from harmful environmental factors.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If retainers are not used, then the structure is simpler, but lubricant leakage occurs reducing lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
Rubber retainers are used to seal and retain lubricant within the shaft-hub assembly. These flexible sealing elements prevent lubricant leakage while accommodating movement and thermal expansion, ensuring continuous lubrication and extending the lifespan of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber retainers provide self-sealing functionality, automatically maintaining the lubricant seal through their elastic properties. As the retainers age or deform, their elasticity naturally compensates to maintain the seal, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and intervention.
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
The assembly offers improved durability and stability by enabling adjustments to prevent rupture and wear, reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of cutting disks and subsoilers, while also being applicable to wheels of planters.
Implementation Method 1
at least two tapered rollers
Implementation Method 2
tapered rollers
Implementation Method 3
at least two retainers to retain a lubricant grease, made of rubber
Implementation Method 4
at least two dust covers, made of felt and attached to a washer, which are used to block dust from entering the internal lubricated part of the hub
Implementation Method 5
at least two retainers to retain a lubricant grease
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a split shaft (1) with setting adjustment comprising a first part and a second part with threaded cylindrical sections, and that may optionally also comprise a sleeve (3) to interconnect the first and second parts by threading. The present invention also relates to the shaft-hub unit (8), which essentially comprises the aforementioned split shat (1) and a cylindrical hub with two couplable parts. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of the aforementioned split shaft (1) and shaft-hub unit (8) in cutting disks of planters and subsoilers, as well as in wheels of planters.