Tillage Point Nose and Wings for Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tillage implements require significant tractor power and fuel due to high drag, limiting speed and increasing time and expense, while also causing soil compaction and leaving behind clods and residue.
Innovation Solution
The design of an improved tillage point with a nose and wings that reduce drag by creating turbulent flow, engage soil at different depths to fracture and lift residue, and include a boss to divert soil away from fasteners, allowing for high-speed operation and a smooth soil surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional ground engaging tools are used for tilling, then soil conditioning is achieved, but significant tractor power and fuel are consumed due to high drag
Solution Approach 1:
The tillage point is divided into distinct functional segments: a nose for penetrating hardpan, wings for lifting and twisting soil, and a body for support. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall power requirements while maintaining tilling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces lateral dimensions through the wings extending from the body, creating a three-dimensional soil interaction pattern. The wings engage soil laterally and lift it upward, adding a vertical component to the tillage action and reducing the downward penetration force required from the nose.
2Speed
If conventional ground engaging tools are used, then soil tilling is performed, but tractor speed is limited due to significant drag
Solution Approach 1:
The geometry parameters of the tillage point are optimized: the nose has a specific slope angle greater than the body's top surface slope, the wings are positioned at specific angles and depths, and the overall shape is designed to create turbulent flow. These parameter changes reduce drag force, enabling higher tractor speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The design intentionally creates turbulent flow of soil around the tillage point, which was previously considered harmful due to increased resistance. However, this turbulent flow is harnessed to reduce drag by directing soil away from the wings and creating a more efficient flow pattern that lowers overall resistance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional tillage tools are used, then residue is disturbed, but soil compaction occurs and clods are left behind
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the tillage point have different qualities and functions: the nose is designed for penetrating hardpan with a specific slope, the wings are angled to lift and twist soil gently, and the body provides stable support. This local differentiation allows the tool to fracture hardpan without compacting loose soil, while the wing action creates a smoother surface by distributing soil movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pushing soil downward and compacting it, the wings are designed to lift and twist soil upward, inverting the conventional compression action. This inversion reduces soil compaction while still achieving the goal of residue burial and soil aeration.
4Loss of time
If faster tractor speed is achieved, then field operation time is reduced, but soil surface becomes rougher with more clods
Solution Approach 1:
The tillage point is designed to continuously fracture hardpan and lift soil throughout the movement cycle, maintaining consistent tillage action at higher speeds. The wings continuously twist and lift soil, and the nose continuously penetrates hardpan, ensuring that soil is constantly being processed rather than left undisturbed, which maintains surface smoothness even at increased speeds.
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
This configuration reduces soil compaction, enhances root growth, and decreases tractor fuel consumption, enabling faster field operations and improved soil conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The combination of these features may serve to reduce drag by creating a turbulent flow of soil around the tillage point and directing soil away from the wings
Implementation Method 2
the wings lift and twist the looser soil, thereby burying residue and adding oxygen to the soil
Implementation Method 3
the nose may engage and fracture harder compacted soil (i.e., hardpan)
Implementation Method 4
This configuration may substantially reduce or eliminate soil compaction under the wings
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement includes a framework configured to be towed behind a vehicle, and a plurality of shanks mounted to the framework and configured to engage the soil. A tillage point is mounted on each shank. Each shank 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.