Turf Leveling Device With Oscillating Metering Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turf maintenance methods, particularly in golf courses and athletic fields, face challenges in leveling uneven turf surfaces without damaging elevated areas and effectively redistributing turf cores and topdressing materials to fill depressions, as existing mechanized devices often leave ridges and are ineffective in redistributing materials.
Innovation Solution
A turf leveling device with a metering blade and main blades mounted on a frame, supported by skids and frame arms, allows for the gathering and redistribution of turf cores and topdressing materials without cutting or scraping the surface, using a three-point hitch system for attachment to a towing vehicle and incorporating a verticutting knife roller for cutting and grinding materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanized leveling devices are used to level turf surfaces, then productivity is improved, but the turf surface may be damaged by scraping and cutting of elevated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the leveling device by using a vertically oscillating blade motion instead of continuous contact scraping. The blade oscillates between engaging and disengaging from the turf surface, controlled by a spring mechanism and hydraulic cylinder, which allows material redistribution without constant scraping that damages elevated areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling blade is designed to dynamically oscillate vertically rather than remain stationary or continuously scrape. The spring-mounted blade assembly allows the blade to naturally follow the turf contour while the hydraulic system provides controlled oscillation, enabling the blade to engage depressed areas for material deposition while automatically disengaging from elevated areas to prevent damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If leveling blades are used to break apart cores and dirt deposits, then the turf surface can be leveled, but existing devices are ineffective in redistributing materials from high points to depressions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single leveling blade assembly: breaking apart cores and dirt deposits through vertical oscillation impact, gathering loosened materials onto the blade, and redistributing them to depressed areas. The blade acts simultaneously as a breaker, conveyor, and depositor, integrating material processing and redistribution in one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-mounted blade assembly provides automatic feedback control where the blade naturally responds to turf surface variations. When the blade encounters elevated areas, the spring allows the blade to lift slightly, preventing over-engagement. When depressed areas are detected, the blade engages more firmly to deposit material, creating a self-regulating system that automatically redistributes material based on real-time surface conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A turf leveling device including a metering blade together with first and second horizontal and parallel main blades separated by first and second open distances. The blades are supported by a frame with spaced frame arms adapted to provide three point hitch attachment points. Skid plates mounted on left and right sides of the frame prevent the metering blade from scrapping or cutting elevated areas of the turf surface. The metering blade and the first and second main blades with deflectors effectively redistribute and level the gathered material. A vertically adjustable verticutting knife roller having keyed knife discs extending through slots in a grating insert is preferably disposed in the first open distance.