Towed Agricultural Machine Packer Unit Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Towed agricultural machines are inefficient in converting between field and road operational modes, requiring complex constructions and large installation spaces, leading to stability issues and increased weight, which complicates driving and increases the risk of tilting.

Innovation Solution

A compact functional unit combining a running gear and packer unit, pivotally connected to form a solid module with adjustable components, allowing simultaneous conversion between operational modes with fewer components and reduced length, enhancing stability and driving dynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate running gears and packer elements are used with independent frame components and lifting devices, then the machine can perform both field and road operations, but the machine becomes very long in terms of longitudinal extension and requires high technical input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational mode conversionVSAvoidlongitudinal extension

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the running gear and packer element into a single integrated assembly that moves together as one unit. The running gear assembly includes both the wheel axle for road traffic and the packer element for field work, eliminating the need for separate independent assemblies and reducing the overall longitudinal length of the machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated running gear assembly serves multiple functions: the wheel axle provides road traffic capability while the packer element provides field work capability. This multi-functional design allows the machine to operate in both road and field modes without requiring separate specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the machine is made longer and bulkier to accommodate separate running gears and packer elements, then the machine can perform all required functions, but the stability of the framework structure becomes more difficult to ensure and the machine becomes harder to drive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidframework stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the running gear and packer element into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the overall length and bulk of the machine while maintaining all required functions. This consolidation improves framework stability by reducing the span and weight distribution issues associated with longer, bulkier machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate running gears and packer elements are used with independent lifting devices, then the machine can convert between operational modes, but the conversion process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational mode conversionVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated running gear assembly allows the wheel axle and packer element to move together as one unit, enabling simultaneous conversion between road and field modes. This eliminates the need for separate lifting operations for each component, significantly reducing conversion time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly is pre-configured with the wheel axle and packer element positioned to move together, so that when conversion is needed, both components change position simultaneously in a single operation rather than requiring multiple sequential actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the machine is made longer to accommodate separate elements, then the machine can perform all functions, but the risk of tilting sideways in road traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidtilting risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated running gear assembly reduces the longitudinal length of the machine, which directly reduces the moment arm that causes tilting during road traffic. This shorter length decreases the risk of sideways tilting while maintaining all required functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9253937B2Towed agricultural machine with packer unit and method for operating such a machine

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 HORSCH MASCHINEN SE & CO KG

AI summary

A towed agricultural machine for tillage purposes and/or for sowing seeds is disclosed. The machine comprises a running gear, tillage tools, and a packer unit, the latter being coupled to the running gear and forming a constructional and/or functional unit therewith. In a first operating position, the running gear is in an active position for road traffic and the packer tools are brought outside the engagement range with the ground. In a second operating position, the running gear, or at least parts thereof, are in an inactive position out of contact range with the ground, while the packer tools are in an active mode in engagement with the ground.