Swing Link Hoe Opener for Terrain Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing precision hoe openers fail to adequately address height variations over terrain during seeding and transportation, leading to non-uniform seeding depths and packing densities due to inadequate vertical motion and fixed distances between packer wheels and ground engaging tools, which result in varying packing forces and draft forces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a swing link assembly between the cylinder and shank to enable additional vertical motion and draft compensation, allowing the hydraulic load of the cylinder to counteract varying draft forces and maintain constant packing pressure, thereby optimizing the geometric relationship between the cylinder, parallel linkage, ground engaging tool, and packer wheel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed rigid mounting is used between cylinder and shank, then structural simplicity is maintained, but vertical motion capability and seeding accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidseeding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed rigid mounting with a swing link mechanism that allows controlled movement. The swing link connects the cylinder to the shank through a pivot point, enabling the cylinder to swing relative to the shank during operation. This dynamic connection provides the necessary vertical motion capability while maintaining structural simplicity, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If the distance between packer wheel and ground engaging tool is increased, then component clearance is improved, but terrain variation sensitivity and force uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent clearanceVSAvoidforce uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The swing link mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between the packer wheel and ground engaging tool. As the cylinder swings during operation, it automatically adjusts the linkage geometry to maintain optimal spacing between components. This dynamic adjustment ensures adequate component clearance while compensating for terrain variations, preventing excessive force variations and maintaining force uniformity across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If large hydraulic cylinders are used to raise the opener assembly, then lifting capability is sufficient, but hydraulic power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidhydraulic power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The swing link mechanism reduces the hydraulic power requirement by utilizing dynamic mechanical advantage. During the lifting operation, as the cylinder extends, the swing link rotates about its pivot point, changing the leverage ratio throughout the stroke. This dynamic mechanical advantage allows a smaller cylinder to achieve the same lifting capability that would otherwise require a larger, more power-intensive cylinder, thereby reducing hydraulic power consumption and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides improved seeding accuracy and uniform seeding depth by allowing for additional vertical motion and maintaining constant packing pressure, reducing the need for excessive hydraulic power and resources, and enhancing the overall precision of the seeding operation.

Implementation Method 1

the hydraulic load of the cylinder to counteract varying draft forces and maintain constant packing pressure on the packer wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS8028759B2Prescision hoe opener with swing link between cylinder and shank
Publication Date: 2011.10.04 CNH IND CANADA
  • US8028759B2 patent drawing
  • US8028759B2 patent drawing
  • US8028759B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.