V-Shaped Welded Tool Holder for Agricultural Seed Drills

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The connection between the flange element and the longitudinal member in existing tool carriers of agricultural machines is a weak point under high dynamic loads, leading to durability issues, and previous solutions involving additional components or expensive manufacturing processes have not adequately addressed these problems.

Innovation Solution

The connection between the flange element and the longitudinal member is redesigned to have an approximately V-shaped contour, allowing for a longer weld seam and increased load-bearing surface area, which enhances durability and strength without additional components, and can be manufactured using various methods such as folded sheet metal, casting, or forging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional gusset plates are attached to increase weld seam length, then durability is improved, but production cost and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a conventional flat butt joint to a V-shaped contoured joint, utilizing the third dimension (depth/contour) to increase the effective weld seam length and load-bearing surface area without adding external components. This dimensional change allows the weld to distribute forces more effectively across a larger surface area embedded within the joint geometry itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the joint by creating V-shaped contours on the connecting surfaces. This parameter change (from flat to V-shaped) increases the weld seam length and load-bearing area without requiring additional materials or components, thereby improving durability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If additional gusset plates are attached to increase weld seam length, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention resolves the contradiction by utilizing the third dimension through V-shaped contours, which increase the functional weld surface area without adding external components. This eliminates the need for additional gusset plates while achieving enhanced durability, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of the V-shaped contours directly into the main structural components (flange element and longitudinal member), eliminating the need for separate gusset plates. This integration reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining improved durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the side member is shaped as folded sheet metal to increase cross-section, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention achieves improved durability through V-shaped contours that increase the weld seam length and load-bearing surface area in the depth dimension, rather than increasing the cross-sectional area through folded sheet metal. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving enhanced structural performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the joint surfaces (creating V-shaped contours) rather than changing the overall cross-section of the side member. This parameter change increases the effective weld area without requiring expensive folded sheet metal construction, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design significantly improves the durability and strength of the tool carrier by distributing forces more evenly and simplifying the welding process, while reducing costs and maintaining design integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The elements to be connected are welded along and/or in the area of these surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2807910B1Tool holder with a welded connection
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 HORSCH MASCHEN
  • EP2807910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2807910B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2807910B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to the welded joint of a highly dynamically stressed tool carrier (10) of an agricultural machine for sowing seeds or for soil cultivation, in particular a seed drill or seed drill combination. The tool carrier (10) consists of at least two elements, each having an approximately V-shaped connecting surface (20) or an approximately V-shaped contour (22) at which the at least two elements are welded to each other.