Agricultural Spreader Front Roller Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tall front containers on distribution machines restrict the driver's forward field of vision during transport, as they aim for maximum capacity while maintaining ground clearance.

Innovation Solution

The distribution machine features adjustable means to reduce the distance between the front roller and central frame, allowing for a lower overall height during transport, with a locking device to secure positions and prevent unintended adjustments, enabling a more compact and user-friendly design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the front container is made tall to maximize capacity, then the storage volume is improved, but the driver's field of vision is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront container capacityVSAvoiddriver's field of vision restriction
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The front roller is made movable relative to the central frame through a pivoting mechanism, allowing the distance between them to be adjusted. This dynamic configuration enables the front roller to be positioned closer to the central frame during transport, reducing overall height and improving the driver's field of vision, while allowing it to be positioned farther during operation for optimal ground engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the distance between the front roller and central frame is reduced to lower overall height, then the field of vision is improved, but the ground clearance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver's field of visionVSAvoidground clearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the front roller's position to be changed based on operational requirements. During transport, the front roller is positioned closer to the central frame, reducing overall height. During field operations, the front roller can be positioned farther from the central frame to ensure adequate ground clearance for effective ground engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If the front roller is made adjustable to improve transport configuration, then the overall height is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall heightVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism utilizes the existing three-point hitch system's vertical movement capability to dynamically adjust the front roller's position. This leverages the tractor's inherent motion to achieve height adjustment without requiring separate complex actuation systems, thereby minimizing additional device complexity while still providing the needed adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The front roller's position is automatically adjusted by the vertical movement of the three-point hitch system during normal tractor operation. The system self-regulates the front roller's distance from the central frame based on the hitch's position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms or additional actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3501251B1Sorting machine
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3501251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3501251B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3501251B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A spreading machine (1) with a central frame (2), wherein the central frame (2) is movably mounted vertically on the front of an agricultural tractor (14), and at least one front hopper (3) and at least one front roller, preferably designed as a tire packer (5), which rolls on the ground (B), are arranged on the central frame (2), wherein the longitudinal axis (5A) of the front roller extends transversely to the direction of travel (F). In order to create a voluminous front hopper (3) for a spreading machine (1) that achieves a more favorable field of vision during transport, the spreading machine (1) is provided to include means for adjusting the distance between the longitudinal axis (5A) of the front roller and the central frame (2).