Walking Beam Disc Seeder Furrow Closing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disc seeders face issues with over-packing of soil, which restricts plant emergence, especially in clay soils, and have complex, expensive constructions with time-consuming pressure adjustment processes and inconsistent seed placement due to spring-loaded firming wheels that can bounce or chatter.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural disc opener with a vertically adjustable suspension, a disc blade, a seed firming wheel, and a closing wheel, supported by an elongated closer/firmer walking beam that pivots to distribute force evenly among the wheels, preventing over-packing and reducing wheel bounce, with a hydraulic system for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a packer tire arrangement is used to both close the furrow and pack soil over the seed, then the furrow closing function is integrated, but the soil is packed too firmly which restricts plant emergence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single packer tire function into two separate components: a firming wheel for pressing seed into the furrow bottom and a closing wheel for moving soil into the furrow. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without over-packing the soil, thereby preventing restriction of plant emergence while maintaining effective furrow closing capability.
2Ease of operation
If separate firming and closing arms with spring-loaded mechanisms are used, then downward pressure can be adjusted, but the construction becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the firming wheel and closing wheel onto a single walking beam structure, eliminating the need for separate spring-loaded firming arm and closing arm mechanisms. The walking beam provides a simple, rigid support that reduces construction complexity and cost while still allowing pressure adjustment through the walking beam's pivot point and ground engagement characteristics.
3Force
If spring-loaded firming wheel arms are used, then downward pressure can be applied to the firming wheel, but the wheel bounces or chatters causing inconsistent seed placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring-loaded mechanism from the firming wheel assembly and replaces it with a rigid walking beam support. This extraction of the elastic element eliminates the bouncing and chattering motion that caused inconsistent seed placement, while the walking beam's pivot design maintains appropriate downward pressure on the firming wheel for consistent seed-to-soil contact.
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 effectively prevents over-packing of soil, ensures consistent seed placement, and simplifies pressure adjustments, improving seed emergence and reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension further includes an elongated closer/firmer walking beam pivotally mounted relative to the suspension for pivoting about a lateral beam pivot axis. The wheels are rotatably mounted on the walking beam on opposite forward and aft sides of the beam pivot axis, with the walking beam configured to pivot as the wheels travel over the ground.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural disc opener is operable to be advanced in a forward direction along the ground to plant seed. The disc opener includes a suspension, a disc blade, a seed firming wheel, and a closing wheel. The suspension includes an elongated closer/firmer walking beam pivotally mounted relative to the suspension for pivoting about a lateral beam pivot axis. The wheels are rotatably mounted on the walking beam on opposite forward and aft sides of the beam pivot axis, with the walking beam configured to pivot as the wheels travel over the ground.