Swivelling Support Wheel Depth Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivelling support wheels for reversible ploughs are prone to mechanical failures due to dynamic properties, and while hydraulic limiting devices provide a safe and comfortable solution, they are expensive and not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, compact swivelling support wheel design featuring a catch mechanism that slides over toothed segment recesses and cover contours to adjust working depth, with optional damping and energy storage for enhanced stability and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical stop spindles or bolt stoppers are used to limit support wheel swivelling, then the plough working depth can be restricted, but the device is susceptible to failure due to dynamic properties and cannot guarantee secure depth setting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a dynamic spring element that actively engages with toothed segments to limit swivelling motion. The spring provides continuous force to maintain engagement between the catch and toothed segments, ensuring reliable depth setting while accommodating dynamic movements during ploughing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support wheel assembly is divided into modular components including the support wheel, toothed segments, catch mechanism, and spring element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy assembly and maintenance while improving overall reliability.
2Reliability
If hydraulic limiting devices are used for support wheel swivelling angle, then functional safety and comfort are improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive hydraulic components with simple, inexpensive mechanical elements such as spring elements, toothed segments, and catch mechanisms. These components are designed to be durable yet inexpensive to manufacture and replace, significantly reducing the overall cost while maintaining functional safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes hydraulic systems with a purely mechanical limiting mechanism consisting of spring elements, toothed segments, and catches. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for expensive hydraulic pumps, valves, and fluid systems while achieving the same depth limiting function.
3Ease of manufacture
If a compact design with few parts is used for the swivelling support wheel, then ease of assembly is improved, but the ability to provide secure depth limiting may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a compact assembly where the support wheel, toothed segments, catch mechanism, and spring element work together as an integrated unit. The toothed segments are directly attached to the support wheel, and the catch mechanism is positioned to engage with these segments, creating a space-efficient design that maintains reliability.
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 design ensures a secure, adjustable, and durable swivelling support wheel that maintains functional safety and adaptability, even under dynamic conditions, at a lower cost compared to hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
the catch slides over the recesses of the toothed segment and the contour of the cover into an end position. After the plough is lowered into the working position of the ploughing tools, the support wheel is supported on the ground and the swivelling support wheel swivels back in the opposite position in the direction of the frame. In doing this, the catch slides up to the end of the contour of the cover and falls through its own weight into the first possible and therefore effective recess of the toothed segment
Data Source
AI summary
A swivelling support wheel for a reversible plough is proposed that is adjusted with a toothed segment and a catch and gives the working depth of the ploughing tools.