Adjustable Toolbar Section with Enclosed Spring for Tillage Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical tillage implements face issues with debris accumulation in spring members, limited downforce due to inadequate support of adjustable toolbar sections, and cumbersome replacement of damaged coulter disks.
Innovation Solution
The tillage implement features adjustable toolbar sections with a pivot member and bearing surfaces for enhanced strength, an enclosed biasing member to prevent debris accumulation, and a socket and post configuration for easy replacement of coulter disks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an exposed spring member is used to bias the coulter disk downwardly, then the coulter disk can be resiliently engaged with the ground, but considerable debris becomes trapped in the spring member
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is enclosed within the trailing arm structure, with the trailing arm pivotally mounted between side plates that form an enclosed space. This nesting configuration contains the biasing member within the structural framework, preventing debris from entering and accumulating around the spring while maintaining its biasing function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If toolbar sections are made adjustable in angular orientation, then operational flexibility is improved, but adequate support for the toolbar sections becomes difficult providing, limiting downforce
Solution Approach 1:
The toolbar is divided into multiple adjustable sections that can be independently positioned at different angular orientations. Each section is supported by elongate pivot members with bearing surfaces that provide structural strength, allowing the segmented structure to maintain adequate support while achieving operational flexibility.
3Device complexity
If the coulter disk is supported by an exposed spring member, then the structure is simple, but replacing damaged coulter disks becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing arm is designed to be movable upwardly from a normal working position to a deflected position, allowing easy access to the coulter disk for replacement. The biasing member provides resilient biasing that maintains the arm in its working position during operation but allows manual displacement for maintenance activities.
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 design allows for increased downforce application, prevents debris entrapment, and simplifies the replacement of damaged components, improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member arranged to bias the trailing arm downwardly towards the normal working position
Implementation Method 2
a pivot member which is elongate generally in the forward working direction between opposing front and rear bearing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A tillage implement includes a main frame with adjustable toolbar sections thereon which each support respective tillage units thereon for engaging the ground. According to one aspect of the invention, the toolbar sections are angularly adjustable about a pivot head at one end thereof while also being slidable in a longitudinal direction of the toolbar section to maintain alignment of the tillage units. The pivot head is elongate in a direction transverse to the toolbar section to resist moments applied to the toolbar section by the tillage units engaging the ground while the toolbar section remains adjustable. In another aspect of the invention, the tillage units each comprise a trailing arm supporting the respective coulter disks thereon. The trailing arm is pivoted between two side plates fixed to the toolbar section and biased downward by a spring enclosed between the side plates to resist debris catching on the spring.