Variable Speed Coaxial Gear for Agricultural Spreaders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributor machines for agricultural applications, such as fertilizer spreaders, lack adaptability to different operating conditions, particularly in achieving even spreading density across varying working widths and types of spreading, leading to inefficiencies and material wastage during border or edge spreading.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical coaxial transmission designed as a friction clutch gear allows for variable speed adjustment of distributor discs, enabling stepless speed change and compact installation, allowing for remote control from the tractor, thus facilitating even spreading density across different working widths and types of spreading without the need for complex or costly adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical drives with fixed gear ratios are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the adaptability to different operating conditions and working widths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a variable-speed reduction gearbox that allows continuous adjustment of the output speed ratio between the transverse shaft and distribution disc drive shafts. This enables the drive system to dynamically adapt to different operating conditions, working widths, and material types while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure without requiring complex hydraulic or electronic control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable distribution discs and adjustable spreading vanes are used to adapt to different working widths, then adaptability is improved, but the operator workload and adjustment time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by enabling continuous variation of the rotational speed of distribution discs through the variable-speed reduction gearbox. This allows the system to adapt to different working widths and spreading patterns by simply changing the speed parameter rather than physically replacing components, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments and component interchangeability.
3Manufacturing precision
If boundary spreading discs or adjusted spreading vanes are used to achieve steep-sided spreading patterns at field boundaries, then spreading precision is improved, but the operation must be interrupted and adjustments made manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by allowing the operator to dynamically adjust the speed of individual distribution discs during the spreading operation. This enables continuous adaptation to different spreading patterns (standard, edge, border, or partial-width) without interrupting the operation or manually replacing components, thereby maintaining both spreading precision and operational continuity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic or electric drives with individual disc speed control are used, then adaptability and control precision are improved, but production costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing complex hydraulic or electric drive systems with a purely mechanical variable-speed reduction gearbox. This mechanical solution provides individual disc speed control and high adaptability while maintaining simplicity, robustness, and cost-effectiveness, avoiding the need for hydraulic pumps, motors, or electronic control systems.
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 solution provides robust, durable, and reliable operation with minimal maintenance, ensuring even spreading density and reducing material wastage by allowing precise control of spreading patterns, including border and edge spreading, without interrupting the spreading operation.
Implementation Method 1
a friction clutch transmission (100), in which a purely mechanical torque transmission from its input shaft (101) to its output shaft (102) is ensured while guaranteeing an output-side speed change
Data Source
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AI summary
A distribution machine having two distributor discs (1, 2) is proposed, which are driven in rotation by a drive train (4, 7-13) that is connectable to a PTO shaft of a traction engine or a tractor. The drive train comprises a central input shaft (7) which drives a transverse shaft (11) that is used to drive a respective distributor disc, via a central gear (8), wherein one of the distributor discs can be rotated at a different speed from another distributor disc, at a variable output speed, by means of a reduction gear (100) arranged downstream of the central gear. The reduction gear has an actuator (200, 400) for changing its output speed. According to the invention, the reduction gear is configured as a mechanical coaxial gear, the input shaft (101) of which is connected to the transverse shaft and the output shaft (102) of which is arranged coaxially with the transverse shaft, wherein the reduction ratio of the coaxial gear is variable by means of the actuator between a normal position, in which the input speed of the input shaft corresponds to the output speed of the output shaft, and at least one reduction position, in which the input speed of the input shaft is not equal to the output speed of the output shaft.