Spring Cartridge Adjuster for Seed Planter Down Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adjusting the down pressure on seed planters is time-consuming and prone to contamination or corrosion when using threaded adjusters, making it difficult to maintain consistent pressure across multiple planting units.

Innovation Solution

A spring cartridge with a preloaded helical compression spring and multiple mounting points allows for easy adjustment and consistent down pressure, using a telescoping core and end caps with flanges to prevent rotation and ensure alignment, and a C-bracket with slots for varying compression angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If threaded adjusters are used to change down pressure on planting units, then the down pressure can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and the threaded elements are prone to contamination or corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedown pressure adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring cartridge assembly is divided into separable components (cartridge body, spring, end caps) that can be independently handled. The cartridge can be removed as a complete unit and repositioned without manipulating threaded elements, enabling rapid adjustment by simply moving the entire spring assembly to different mounting locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adjusting pressure by threading elements that require rotational motion and precise threading, the invention inverts the approach by using a pre-loaded spring cartridge that can be positioned at discrete locations. The adjustment is achieved by moving the spring cartridge to different mounting points rather than modifying the spring tension through threading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If threaded adjusters are used to change down pressure on planting units, then the down pressure can be adjusted, but the threaded elements are prone to contamination or corrosion making it difficult to turn the adjusters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedown pressure adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjuster reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The problematic threaded adjustment elements are completely removed from the system. The spring cartridge uses a simple pin-based retention system at discrete mounting points, eliminating threaded elements that are susceptible to contamination and corrosion. The adjustment mechanism relies on positional placement rather than threaded engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring cartridge assembly is designed as a simple, replaceable unit with basic retention features (pins, slots). Rather than maintaining complex threaded adjusters that require protection from environmental factors, the system uses simple, easily replaced components that are less sensitive to contamination and corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If threaded adjusters are used on multiple planting units, then each unit can have adjustable down pressure, but it is difficult to provide consistent down pressure across multiple units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual down pressure adjustmentVSAvoiddown pressure consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring cartridge assembly is designed as a universal component that can be installed on multiple planting units with identical mounting brackets. Each bracket has multiple pre-positioned mounting points that provide standardized compression increments, ensuring consistent down pressure settings across all units through repeatable installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention provides discrete compression increments through multiple mounting points on the brackets rather than continuous adjustment. This quantized approach to parameter change ensures consistent down pressure settings across multiple units by eliminating variability in manual threading and adjustment, with each mounting point representing a standardized pressure level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables quick and consistent adjustment of down pressure without specialized tools, reducing contamination risks and ensuring proper soil engagement for seed planting across varying field conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a helical compression spring... providing a downward pressure on the planting unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7392754B2Down pressure adjuster for seed planter

Publication Date: 2008.07.01 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A down pressure adjustment mechanism for a planter provides a self-contained spring cartridge holding a preloaded compression spring that may be moved between a limited number of mounting points to provide for convenient and significant changes in down pressure without the need for specialized tools or the like.