Steerable Tracks for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracked agricultural implements with endless tracks face challenges in steering during field and transport operations due to separation from the terrain, leading to issues with soil compaction, maneuverability, and increased weight on wet or loose soils, which results in the implement becoming stuck.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with pivoting connections between the main carrier, outer hitch, steering structure, track system, and drive tracks allows for active steering and parallel tracking, enabling improved soil compaction reduction, in-field guidance, increased stability, and reduced maintenance, while also providing enhanced traction and reduced horsepower requirements in soft soils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If endless tracks are utilized on an implement, then greater support on wet or loose soils is provided, but the ability of the implement to be steered is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The track system employs a dynamic connection mechanism between the track carrier and implement frame that allows relative movement. The track carrier can pivot and adjust its position dynamically during steering operations, enabling the tracks to remain grounded while the implement changes direction. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing both excellent soil support and effective steering capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tracks are connected rigidly to the implement frame, then structural stability is improved, but the tracks become separated from the terrain during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the track carrier and implement frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than rigidly fixed. The track carrier can pivot and adjust its position dynamically during steering operations, enabling the tracks to remain grounded while the implement changes direction. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing both excellent soil support and effective steering capability.
3Productivity
If larger horsepower tractors are used to tow the implement, then productivity is increased, but the weight on the implement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of ground interaction from point contact (wheels) to linear contact (tracks). This parameter change increases the surface area in contact with the ground, distributing the implement weight over a larger area. Consequently, the implement can operate on wet or loose soils without sinking, enabling productivity improvement without requiring additional tractor horsepower to overcome ground resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement having a steering mechanism comprising a outer hitch, a main carriage connected to the outer hitch by a first pivoting connection, a steering system disposed on the main carriage and an endless track assembly connected to the main carriage by a second pivoting connection and to the steering system by a third pivoting connection. The pivoting connections enable the tracks to be actively steered and remain parallel to the surface over which the implement travels.