U-Shaped Drive Frame for Agricultural Implement Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large agricultural implements, such as wide seeders and combines, face challenges with maneuverability in tight spaces, require sectional control to avoid overlap, and need large product containers to minimize downtime for filling.
Innovation Solution
A drive apparatus with a U-shaped frame supported by drive wheels, allowing for the attachment and operation of various implements. The apparatus can be controlled by a microprocessor connected to a GPS guidance system, enabling robotic and unmanned operation, and can switch between two travel paths to accommodate wide operation and narrow transport configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large agricultural implements are used to increase productivity, then the amount of land farmed per day increases, but maneuverability in tight spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is divided into multiple independently controllable sections or modules that can be operated separately. This allows the large implement to navigate tight spaces by controlling each section's position and orientation, while still maintaining the overall large working width for high productivity when in open areas.
2Productivity
If wide seeding equipment is used to increase productivity, then more acres can be seeded per day, but the requirement for sectional control increases to avoid excessive overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The seeding equipment is divided into multiple independently controllable seeding sections across the width of the implement. Each section can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing precise control over the seeding pattern and eliminating excessive overlap while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sectional control system incorporates feedback from GPS positioning and sensors to monitor the position of each seeding section relative to the ground track. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of each section to prevent overlap and ensure complete coverage, reducing the complexity of manual control.
3Productivity
If combines with large grain capacity are used to increase productivity, then more bushels can be harvested per hour, but the frequency of emptying the hopper increases requiring large wagons
Solution Approach 1:
The grain storage and transfer system transitions from vertical hopper storage to a horizontal conveyor belt system that extends the grain discharge point forward. This allows grain to be continuously conveyed forward and deposited into trailing wagons or directly into storage, eliminating the need for frequent hopper emptying while maintaining high harvesting capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An implement operating apparatus has a U-shaped drive frame supported on drive wheels, each pivotally mounted about a vertical wheel pivot axis. A steering control selectively pivots each drive wheel. A power source is connected through a drive control to rotate the drive wheels in either direction. First and second implements are configured to perform implement operations and to rest on the ground and when the drive frame is maneuvered to an implement loading position with respect to each implement, the implement is connectable to the drive frame and movable to an operating position supported by the drive frame. When the implement is in the operating position, the steering and drive controls are operative to move and steer the drive frame and implement along a first travel path or a second travel path oriented generally perpendicular to the first travel path.