Tillage Point with Adjustable Ground Engaging Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting tillage points to accommodate changing field conditions and desired tilling results is time-consuming and burdensome, as existing systems lack flexibility in adapting to varying soil types and conditions during operations.
Innovation Solution
A tillage point with a ground engaging structure that includes pivotable wings and a cover board, actuated by a hydraulic cylinder and linkage, allowing for adjustable orientation to optimize soil fracture and residue coverage across different soil types and conditions, with manual or electronic control via a prescription map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tillage points are adjusted to accommodate changing field conditions, then adaptability improves, but time consumption and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tillage point's ground engaging structure dynamically adjustable during operation. The hydraulic actuator enables the wing angle and depth to be changed in real-time without stopping the implement, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to varying soil conditions and crop residue types throughout the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of key operational parameters including wing angle relative to direction of travel, depth of ground engaging structure, and lateral position. These parameter adjustments enable the same tillage point to handle different soil types and residue conditions without physical replacement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of tillage points are used for different field conditions, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single tillage point structure capable of performing multiple functions through adjustment. The ground engaging structure with adjustable wings can handle various soil types, crop residues, and tilling objectives using one standardized component rather than requiring multiple specialized points, thereby reducing inventory complexity and operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the single tillage point dynamically adjustable, the patent eliminates the need for multiple static tillage point designs. The ability to change wing angles and depth configurations allows one universal structure to replace what would traditionally require several different specialized tools.
3Ease of manufacture
If tillage points are fixed in orientation, then device complexity reduces, but ability to optimize soil fracture and residue management decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing minimal dynamic components - specifically the hydraulic actuator and linkage system - that enable orientation adjustment while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The ground engaging structure can pivot and adjust angles without complex mechanisms, preserving ease of manufacture while gaining adaptability for optimizing soil fracture patterns and residue management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows change in orientation parameters (wing angle, depth, lateral position) of the ground engaging structure to optimize performance for different conditions. These parameter adjustments are achieved through a relatively simple hydraulic actuation system that does not significantly complicate the overall design while enabling substantial improvements in soil fracture optimization.
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
Enables precise and efficient tilling operations by allowing real-time adjustments to the angle of attack of the tillage point, enhancing soil fracture and residue management without the need to physically change tillage points, thereby improving agricultural efficiency and yield.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to linkage which can move the ground engaging structure through multiple angles about a pivot point during tillage operations
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a tillage point having a ground engaging structure configured to adjust with respect to the ground so that the tillage point can flexibly adapt to various field conditions. The ground engaging structure can comprise wings for increasing soil fracture below the ground surface and/or a cover board for moving soil along the ground surface. The ground engaging structure can variably adjust using an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, connected to linkage which can move the ground engaging structure through multiple angles about a pivot point during tillage operations. In addition, a controller can adjust the actuator to maintain an angle of the ground engaging structure according to a location on a prescription map.