Three-Point Implement Frame for Simultaneous Cultivation and Broadcasting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process of planting food plots or crops using a tractor with both a cultivating implement and a broadcasting implement is inefficient, requiring frequent switching of implements, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and increases equipment wear and tear, especially in challenging outdoor terrain.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that allows a tractor to operate simultaneously with both a cultivating implement and a broadcasting implement, using a support frame, brackets, and a connection bar to attach the broadcasting implement to the cultivating implement, thereby eliminating the need for repeated implement changes and multiple trips to planting sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the tractor operates with both cultivating implement and broadcasting implement simultaneously, then productivity and time efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanting efficiencyVSAvoidimplement combination structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a cultivating implement and a broadcasting implement into a single integrated apparatus that can be attached to a tractor simultaneously. The support frame integrates both implements, allowing them to operate together during a single pass, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through unified design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can accommodate different cultivating and broadcasting implements. The brackets and connection mechanisms provide multi-functional interfaces, allowing the same apparatus to work with various implement types, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If implements are switched frequently between cultivating and broadcasting, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and equipment wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement switching capabilityVSAvoidtime for implement changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the cultivating and broadcasting implements into a single integrated apparatus, the system eliminates the need to detach and reattach implements between operations. The unified structure allows both functions to be performed in sequence during one continuous operation, drastically reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability through the modular bracket design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If implements are attached using standard three-point hitch, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and time loss increase due to frequent attachment/detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement attachment simplicityVSAvoidtime for attaching and detaching implements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame integrates both cultivating and broadcasting implements into a single unit that attaches to the tractor's three-point hitch once. This merged structure eliminates repeated attachment and detachment operations, reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation through the simplicity of the standard hitch interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implements are pre-configured on the support frame before field operation. The brackets and connection mechanisms are prepared in advance, allowing for quick setup and minimal adjustment time when attaching to the tractor, thereby reducing the time penalty associated with implement changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11770990B2Apparatus for combining planting implements

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 CROMWELL JEFFREY HOWARD

AI summary

An apparatus for combining planting implements enables an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. The apparatus is rigidly affixed to a conventional cultivating implement and comprises a support frame, a pair of brackets, and a connection bar. In combination, the support frame, pair of brackets, and connection bar provide a three-point connection whereby a conventional broadcasting implement may be attached thereto, thus enabling an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. In operation, at least a portion of the conventional cultivating implement is disposed behind the conventional broadcasting implement when the conventional broadcasting implement is attached to the support frame, thereby allowing simultaneous cultivation and broadcasting of constituents.