Universal Coulter with Polygonal Shank Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale farm implements with ground engagement tools face challenges in flexible mounting configurations and soil damage to adjacent crops due to dirt spewing, requiring additional fixtures and offsets, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A universal coulter with an integrated offset, manufactured using investment casting, featuring a polygonal shank and dirt deflector to enable multiple mounting configurations and prevent soil impingement on crops, eliminating the need for expensive bolt-on offsets and reducing soil damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bolt-on offsets are used to adjust lateral positioning of ground engagement tools, then adaptability to different row spacing is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the offset adjustment function directly into the ground engagement tool body by providing multiple engagement surfaces at different lateral positions on the tool. This eliminates the need for separate bolt-on offset fixtures, as the tool itself can be mounted at various lateral positions by selecting different engagement surfaces, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground engagement tool is designed with multiple engagement surfaces that serve universal mounting functions for different row spacing configurations. A single tool design can be mounted at multiple lateral positions using the same basic mounting hardware, making the tool multi-functional regarding positioning while eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixtures.
2Productivity
If ground engagement tools are used for soil cultivation, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to dirt spewing onto adjacent crops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dirt deflector as an intermediary component positioned between the ground engagement tool and the adjacent crops. This deflector intercepts and redirects the spewed dirt away from the crops, allowing the tool to maintain its soil cultivation function while preventing the harmful effect of dirt impingement on adjacent plants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bolt-on offsets are maintained in inventory for different mounting arrangements, then adaptability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to excess inventory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ground engagement tool incorporates multiple engagement surfaces that provide universal mounting capability for different row spacing and positioning requirements. This single multi-functional tool replaces the need for maintaining an inventory of multiple specialized offset fixtures, eliminating waste associated with unused offsets in storage while maintaining full adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ground engagement tool, such as a universal coulter, with an integrated offset to facilitate multiple mounting configurations. In some embodiments, the ground engagement tool includes a polygonal shank, defining, for example, an octagonal or hexagonal cross-section. The polygonal shank enables rotational offset to be secured in discrete rotational orientations. A lower bracket is mounted to a spindle, providing an angular displacement range for angular deflection of the ground engagement tool. The spindle includes a key structure that complements the angular orientations of the polygonal shank so that the lower bracket can be compensated for the rotational offset. A rotational indexing plate enables selection of one of a plurality of angular displacement ranges. Retention rods may be implemented for setting a depth of the tool. A dirt deflector may also be provided, dimensioned to prevent spewing dirt from landing on adjacent plant rows and to prevent fouling in muddy conditions.