Telescoping Coulter System for Intake Proximity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face operational inefficiencies due to the mechanical interference between coulters and intakes during transport and operational positions, leading to vine or weed buildup and product loss, as the coulter's distance from the intake is not optimally adjustable and is prone to lateral loads.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping coulter system with a moveable coulter arm and extension mechanism that translates between a raised transport position and a lowered operational position, allowing adjustable proximity to the intake and incorporating a lateral force overload device to protect against inadvertent loads, ensuring optimal positioning and reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the coulter is positioned closer to the intake during operation, then vine buildup and product loss are reduced, but the coulter interferes with the intake structure when in the retracted transport position
Solution Approach 1:
The coulter arm is made dynamically adjustable between fixed positions through a telescoping mechanism with linkages and actuators. This allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational mode: positioned close to the intake during operation to improve productivity, and retracted during transport to eliminate mechanical interference. The dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the coulter position variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an additional spatial dimension for coulter positioning by using a telescoping arm mechanism that extends not only vertically but also horizontally toward or away from the intake. This multi-dimensional movement capability allows the coulter to achieve optimal operational proximity without compromising transport clearance, effectively resolving the spatial conflict between the two operational states.
2Productivity
If the coulter is positioned closer to the intake, then vine cutting effectiveness is improved, but the mechanical structure required to achieve this position increases in complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coulter positioning system is segmented into modular components: a telescoping arm with multiple linkages, individual actuators for each linkage, and a coulter disk assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the complex system more manageable and maintainable while achieving the desired close positioning for effective vine cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping coulter arm mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the coulter disk vertically for ground contact, adjusts horizontal distance from the intake, and provides structural support for the coulter disk. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional mechanism rather than separate systems, the invention reduces overall mechanical complexity while achieving improved vine cutting effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coulter arm is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the coulter cannot be adjusted to optimize proximity to the intake
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the positional parameters of the coulter arm from fixed to variable by incorporating adjustable linkages with actuators. These actuators modify the length and angle parameters of the linkages, enabling the coulter arm to achieve optimal positioning close to the intake during operation while maintaining structural integrity. The parameter changes are controlled and reversible, allowing adaptation without permanent structural modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping coulter system for an agricultural machine, operable on ground and having a frame and a moveable structure, includes a coulter arm, having a proximal end with a pivot point, and a distal end bearing a rotatable coulter disk. An extension mechanism connects the frame to the coulter arm, and is configured to translate the coulter arm between a raised transport position not in mechanical conflict with the moveable structure, and a lowered operational position in which the coulter disk can contact the ground and is proximate to the moveable structure.