Tillage Point Nose Angle and Wing Depth for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tillage points require significant tractor power and fuel due to high drag, limiting tractor speeds and increasing the time and expense of tillage operations, while also causing soil compaction and leaving behind clods.
Innovation Solution
A tillage point design featuring a nose with a steeper angle than the body, laterally extending wings that engage soil at different depths, and a boss to divert soil away from fasteners, reducing drag and soil compaction, and enhancing soil oxygenation and root growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional tillage points are used, then soil tilling function is achieved, but significant tractor power and fuel are required due to high drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the tillage point, specifically the nose angle (increased to create turbulence) and wing configuration (different depths and angles), to reduce drag and fuel consumption while maintaining tillage effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curvature principles by designing a rounded nose portion with a specific angle rather than a sharp or flat edge, creating a curved surface that generates turbulent flow to reduce drag and improve energy efficiency
2Speed
If conventional tillage points are used, then soil tilling is performed, but tractor speed is limited due to significant drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the tillage point, particularly increasing the nose angle and optimizing wing configurations, to reduce drag force and enable higher tractor speeds during tillage operations
Solution Approach 2:
The curved nose design with increased angle creates turbulent flow that reduces drag force, allowing the tractor to operate at higher speeds without excessive resistance
3Ease of operation
If conventional tillage points are used, then soil is tilled, but soil compaction occurs and clods are left on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tillage point into distinct functional components: a nose portion for fracture and a wing portion for lifting and twisting, allowing each segment to perform its specific function efficiently and reduce harmful effects like compaction and clod formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different parts of the tillage point different properties and functions - the nose has a specific angle for fracture while the wings have different depths and angles for soil lifting and twisting, optimizing overall performance
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 high-speed operation with reduced fuel consumption, smoother soil surfaces, and improved soil aeration, reducing tractor power requirements and farming costs while minimizing soil compaction and clod formation.
Implementation Method 1
The combination of these features may serve to reduce drag by creating a turbulent flow of soil around the tillage point
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a tillage point includes a body having a top surface and a nose extending from the top surface. The tillage point also includes two wings each disposed on a lateral side of the body and extending laterally outward. In certain embodiments, a slope of the nose relative to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point through soil is greater than a slope of the top surface of the body. In further embodiments, the wings are configured to engage the soil at a shallower depth than the nose, and/or a tip of each wing is configured to engage the soil at a greater depth than a respective wing root. In yet further embodiments, the tillage point includes a boss positioned forward of openings configured to receive a fastener for coupling the tillage point to a shank.