Tillage Disk Hub Concavity for Universal Spool Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tillage machines require frequent replacement of disks with different concavities and spools, leading to inefficiencies in soil tillage operations due to the lack of universal compatibility among disks and spools.

Innovation Solution

A tillage disk assembly with a hub and body portion having distinct radii, allowing for the same spools to be used across different disks with varying concavities, enabling easy replacement and improved disk retention under load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If disks with different concavities are used for different soil tillage requirements, then tillage performance is improved, but the need for frequent spool replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetillage operation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for spool replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spool is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate disks with different concavities through a single standardized mounting configuration. The spool's geometric features (such as the position and dimensions of mounting surfaces) are designed to be compatible with multiple disk types, allowing one spool to serve multiple functions across different tillage operations without requiring replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If disks with varying concavities are employed for different tillage tasks, then soil processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk compatibility with spoolsVSAvoidcompatibility between disks and spools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disk assembly is divided into separable components (disk and spool) with standardized interfaces. The spool is designed as a separate, reusable component with standardized mounting features that can be paired with different disk types. This segmentation allows the spool to maintain a simple, standardized design while the disk can be varied for different applications, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If frequent disk and spool replacement is performed, then tillage effectiveness is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk retention under loadVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spool and disk mounting interface utilizes curved or rounded geometric features that provide natural retention under load. The concavity of the disk body portion and the corresponding convexity of the spool create a curved interface that prevents disengagement during operation. This curved geometry provides reliable retention without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, maintaining both reliability and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11882778B2Tillage machine and tillage disk for the same

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A disk for use with a tillage machine includes a body portion rotatable about an axis of rotation. The body portion has a circumferential edge and a concavity with a first radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. A hub portion is continuous with the body portion and presents an abutment face having a concavity with a second radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. An aperture extends through the abutment face and is centered about the axis of rotation.