Transformable Planter with Telescoping Axle and Adjustable Toolbar
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural planters require multiple units or extensive reconfiguration to accommodate varying row spacings, often lacking adjustable systems for optimal performance across different configurations, and necessitate special transportation permits due to their size.
Innovation Solution
A transformable agricultural plot planter that can collapse into a transport configuration to fit on a standard tractor trailer, allowing for easy adjustment of row spacing and wheel track to match various planting densities, eliminating the need for special permits by conforming to DOT specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the planter is designed to accommodate multiple row spacing configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planter employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the row units to be repositioned along the toolbar to different spacing intervals. The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adjustable one, enabling operators to change row spacing in the field without mechanical reconfiguration of the entire planter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The planter is designed with universal adjustability features that allow a single planter unit to perform multiple row spacing functions. The toolbar and row unit mounting system are configured to accommodate various spacing patterns (e.g., 30-inch, 36-inch, 40-inch rows) through standardized adjustment mechanisms rather than requiring separate planters for each configuration.
2Productivity
If the planter width is increased to accommodate more rows, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of transportation worsens due to DOT width restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The planter is segmented into multiple independent row unit modules that can be individually adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows the planter to maintain a compact width for transportation by configuring only the necessary number of row units, while still achieving high productivity when fully deployed with all row units extended for wide-row planting operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the planter is designed with fixed wheel track, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different row spacing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel track is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through telescopic or sliding mechanisms that allow the wheel assemblies to be repositioned relative to the toolbar. This enables the wheel track to be precisely adjusted to match different row spacing configurations while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized positioning increments and locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a transformable agricultural planter that is structured and operable to transform to a Transport Configuration wherein a width of the planter is less than or equal to a Department Of Transportation maximum load width for which special ‘Wide Load’ permits are not required. The planter includes a support cart including a telescoping support axle having a plurality of wheel assemblies mounted thereto and a plurality of actuators connected to the telescoping support axle. The actuators are operable to extend and retract the telescoping support axle such that a spacing between the wheel assemblies can be set to any desired distance. The planter additionally includes a main toolbar assembly connected a toolbar lift and spin assembly rotatably mounted to the support cart and operable to rotate, raise and lower the main toolbar assembly between the Transport Configuration and a Planting Configuration.