Three-Level Wheel Arrangement for Seeder Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seeders face challenges in handling and controlling soil compaction and stability during operation and transport, particularly when navigating curves and uneven terrain, due to wheel interference and uneven weight distribution.

Innovation Solution

A seeder design with a wheelset arranged in a V configuration across three levels, where the central wheels are set back and side wheels are positioned furthest forward, along with identical wheel dimensions for improved stability and compaction control, prevents soil jamming and interference, and allows for reduced wheelbase during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If wheels are arranged on a single or double level, then the structure is simpler, but soil jams occur between neighboring wheels and resistance to progress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel arrangement structureVSAvoidsoil jamming between wheels
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-level or double-level wheel arrangement to a three-level vertical arrangement. By distributing wheels across three distinct transverse axes (A1, A2, A3) at different heights, the design eliminates soil jamming between wheels while maintaining structural efficiency. The bead of earth formed during work is distributed over several levels, preventing accumulation between neighboring wheels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If wheels are arranged in a V configuration with central wheels set back, then interference with coulter bar during pivoting is avoided, but the wheelbase increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting operation without interferenceVSAvoidwheelbase
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric V-shaped configuration where central wheels (C1, C2) are positioned furthest rearward while side wheels (S1, S2) are arranged furthest forward. This asymmetric arrangement creates clearance between the wheelset and coulter bar during pivoting operations, preventing interference while optimizing the operational envelope of the seeder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of repair

If wheel dimensions are standardized, then maintenance is simplified and spare parts costs are reduced, but adaptability to different soil conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel maintenanceVSAvoidadaptability to soil conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent standardizes wheel dimensions across all wheels (identical diameter and width) to create a universal component that simplifies maintenance and reduces spare parts inventory. All wheels share the same specifications, allowing any wheel to replace any other regardless of position, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining sufficient performance across different soil conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If all wheel levels belong to the front frame, then relative movement and pivoting between wheel levels is eliminated, but the frame structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel position stabilityVSAvoidframe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all three levels of wheels (front, intermediate, and rear wheels) onto the front frame structure. By attaching wheels at three distinct transverse axes all to the front frame, the design eliminates relative movement and pivoting between wheel levels that would occur if distributed across separate frames. This unified attachment provides stable wheel positioning while the frame design absorbs the structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3456166B1Seed drill with wheels arranged on three levels
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 KUHN SA
  • EP3456166B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3456166B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a seed drill comprising: - a front frame (30), - a rear frame (31) mounted articulated to the front frame by means of a vertical pivot (33), - a hopper (34) mounted on the front frame for a granular material, - a wheel assembly (50) mounted on the front frame and on which the seed drill rests in a working configuration, - a seed bar (60) mounted on the rear frame, - a distribution system (32) for conveying the granular material from the hopper (34) to the seed bar (60), the latter being intended to place the granular material from the hopper (34) into the ground, in working configuration, the wheels (51, 52, 53) of the wheel assembly (50) being arranged on three distinct axle levels (A1, A2, A3) transverse to a median plane (M) of the seed drill, the three wheel levels all belonging to the front frame.