Variable Hardness Polyurethane Seeder Tire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid tires used in no-till planting equipment are unable to absorb ground irregularities effectively, leading to equipment damage and inconsistent seed planting depth, and require more material, increasing weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A seeder tire made from thermoset polyurethane compounds with a hollow structure and varying hardness, featuring a bulbous hollow channel and tapered sidewalls to reduce mass, enhance tear strength, and include additives for low surface energy and improved wear characteristics, allowing for split-rim mounting and enhanced cleaning functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid tires are used in no-till planting equipment, then wear resistance against knives and crop stubble is improved, but the tire cannot absorb ground irregularities, leading to equipment damage and inconsistent seed planting depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible tire structure with a flexible sidewall and flexible tread that can deform to absorb ground irregularities. The flexible nature allows the tire to conform to terrain variations while maintaining contact with the ground, thereby ensuring consistent seed planting depth without sacrificing wear resistance through material selection and structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes air pressure as a variable parameter to adjust tire flexibility and cushioning characteristics. By controlling the air pressure within the tire, the system can optimize the balance between wear resistance and the ability to absorb ground irregularities, ensuring reliable seed planting depth across varying field conditions.
2Strength
If solid tires are used in no-till planting equipment, then wear resistance is improved, but the tire mass increases due to the solid nature of the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible tire structure consisting of a flexible sidewall and flexible tread that can be constructed with thinner walls compared to solid tires. This flexible shell structure reduces material usage and overall tire mass while maintaining sufficient wear resistance through strategic material placement and reinforcement in high-wear areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material construction combining different materials with complementary properties. The tire incorporates materials optimized for specific functions: wear-resistant compounds in the tread area, flexible materials in the sidewall, and structural reinforcement only where necessary. This composite approach reduces overall tire mass while preserving wear resistance where required.
3Strength
If solid tires are used in no-till planting equipment, then toughness against crop stubble is improved, but the tire requires more material, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible tire structure with optimized wall thickness that reduces material quantity compared to solid tires. The flexible nature allows the tire to withstand crop stubble forces through elastic deformation rather than requiring excessive material thickness, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining toughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite material construction that concentrates material usage in high-stress areas such as the tread and shoulder regions where toughness is most needed. The sidewall and other lower-stress areas use thinner sections or lighter materials, optimizing the distribution of material to achieve required toughness with minimal total material quantity.
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
The seeder tire effectively absorbs ground irregularities, reduces equipment damage, ensures consistent seed planting depth, and decreases material usage, resulting in a lighter, more cost-effective, and longer-lasting tire with improved handling and wear resistance.
Implementation Method 1
Polyurethane generally has a preferable hardness, tear strength, elasticity, and specific gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A tire for planting equipment is disclosed, the tire composed of a tire material and comprising: a rim-mounting surface, a first side wall having a thickness, a second side wall having a thickness, and a contact wall having a thickness and defining a contact area; the first, second, and contact walls defining a hollow channel, and the second side wall having a tapered portion and disc contact portion. A method for manufacturing a seeder tire of variable hardness is also disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: introducing a first polyurethane compound having a first hardness value into a first portion of a tire mold; allowing an amount of time to elapse wherein the first polyurethane compound will gel; and introducing a second polyurethane compound having a second hardness value into a second portion of the mold.