Variable Downforce Control via Movable Spring Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground working implements face challenges in engaging with compacted or dense soils, requiring supplemental downward force to reach desired depths effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a mechanical advantage with a lever arm and spring assembly to apply variable downward or upward forces to a ground working implement, allowing adjustment of the force based on soil conditions through a linkage and actuator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a supplemental downward force is applied to the ground working implement to assist tools in reaching desired depth, then the ability to engage compacted or dense soil is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional force application mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is made movable along the lever arm rather than being fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the downward force applied to the ground working implement. This enables the system to adapt to varying soil conditions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the spring assembly along the lever arm is changed to vary the amount of downward force applied. By adjusting this parameter (position), the system can optimize the force application for different soil conditions without requiring complex control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the biasing force is applied at different locations on the lever arm to adjust the downward force, then the adaptability to different soil conditions is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the ground working implement itself to indicate when adjustment is needed. When the implement encounters compacted soil and cannot reach desired depth, the operator adjusts the spring assembly position. The system serves itself by providing feedback through the implement's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The performance of the ground working implement serves as feedback for adjusting the spring assembly position. The operator observes whether the implement is achieving desired depth and adjusts the force application accordingly, creating a feedback loop that improves adaptability.
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
Enables precise and adjustable application of supplemental forces to ground working tools, improving their ability to engage the soil at desired depths despite varying conditions, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly can be pivotably engaged with the device frame at a first end and movable along the lever arm at a second end. In this implementation, the spring assembly can apply a downward biasing force to the lever arm.
Implementation Method 2
A biasing force applied to a target location on a lever arm can apply supplemental downforce to the movable frame of the implement. Moving the biasing force to a different location on the lever arm can apply a different amount of downward force on the implement.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems for application of a supplemental downward force to a ground working implement. A mechanical advantage from a lever arm can be utilized to apply supplemental downforce to a ground working implement. A biasing force can be applied to the lever arm by a spring assembly at various locations. Moving the spring assembly along the lever arm can vary the amount of downward force applied by the lever arm to ground working implement. In some implementations, moving the spring assembly to a different end of the lever arm applies an upward force to a coupled ground working implement.