Vertical Tank Support Assembly for Agricultural Implement Row Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planting implements with tanks face interference issues when trying to adjust row unit spacing due to multiple tank supports, leading to the need for multiple implements for different spacings, increasing user costs.
Innovation Solution
A tank support assembly with a primary connecting member and secondary connecting members positioned between and above row units, allowing for the transfer of the tank's weight without interfering with row unit adjustments, enabling flexible row spacing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple tank support members are positioned between row units, then the tank is adequately supported, but the ability to adjust row unit spacing is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the tank support from a horizontal configuration between row units to a vertical configuration above the row units. The main tank support member extends vertically upward from the frame, and the tank is supported from below rather than from the sides. This dimensional change eliminates interference with row unit spacing adjustment while maintaining adequate tank support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple planting implements are used for different row spacings, then various planting applications are covered, but user costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tank support structure that works with various row spacings. By positioning the support vertically above the row units rather than between them, a single implement can accommodate different row spacing configurations without requiring multiple specialized implements, thereby reducing user costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple planting implements are manufactured for different row spacings, then customer needs are met, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by providing a single universal tank support design that accommodates various row spacings. The vertical support structure with adjustable components allows one implement design to serve multiple customer needs, reducing the variety of implements that must be manufactured and inventoried.
Data Source
AI summary
A tank support assembly for an agricultural implement includes a primary connecting member and first, second, and third support members. The primary connecting member is configured to couple to a main frame assembly of the agricultural implement, where the primary connecting member extends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the agricultural implement. The first support member is configured to couple to the primary connecting member at an end of the first support member. The second and third support members are configured to couple to the first support member, the primary connecting member, or a combination thereof, at ends of the second and third support members. The first support member extends substantially vertically upward from the primary connecting member and the second and third support members extend generally upward and generally outward from the primary connecting member. The first, second, and third support members are configured to transfer a portion of a weight of a tank to the primary connecting member.