Width-Variable Tillage Device With Four-Bar Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tillage devices have limited precision and flexibility in adjusting the width between tool rows, requiring retooling for different use cases and being unable to adapt to varying distances between plant rows or tilling widths without significant reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A width-variable tillage device featuring a leading four-bar guide mechanism with a depth guide element and actuator, connected to a trailing guide mechanism via a connecting member, allowing for stepless and precise adjustment of the distance between guide mechanisms, enabling adaptation to changing plant row distances and tilling widths without retooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance between tools is reduced to achieve higher precision in width adjustment, then the precision of width setting is improved, but retooling becomes necessary which increases device complexity and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic width adjustment mechanism where the distance between the first and second guide mechanisms can be continuously varied during operation. The second guide mechanism is movable relative to the first along the transverse direction, allowing real-time adaptation to different plant row distances without requiring physical reconfiguration or retooling of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism is designed to handle multiple functions: it maintains constant tool pressure through the four-bar linkage, enables continuous width adjustment to accommodate different plant row configurations, and provides depth guidance through the depth guide element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices or retooling for different operational requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the number of tools per plant row is increased to reduce distance between tools, then the precision of width adjustment is improved, but the device complexity and retooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of tools, the patent makes the guide mechanism itself dynamic by allowing continuous adjustment of the distance between the first and second guide mechanisms. This dynamic adjustment capability provides high precision width setting without requiring additional tools or complex multi-tool configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism is divided into two independent but connected parts: the first guide mechanism with a depth guide element and the second guide mechanism with tillage tools. The second guide mechanism can be moved independently in the transverse direction while maintaining connection through the connecting member, allowing precise width adjustment without complicating the overall device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed tool rows are used to simplify device structure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different plant row distances is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed tool row structure into a dynamic configuration where the second guide mechanism can be continuously positioned at different distances from the first guide mechanism. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to accommodate various plant row distances while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing approach through modular guide mechanism design.
Data Source
AI summary
A width-variable tillage device is provided with a frame and a leading four-bar first guide mechanism connected to the frame. The first guide mechanism has a depth guide element which regulates a height of the first guide mechanism above the ground, and an actuator which actuates the height of the first guide mechanism between a working position close to the ground and an elevated position remote from the ground. The tillage device further has a trailing second guide mechanism connected to the frame and having at least one tool for tillage, and a connecting member which connects the first and second guide mechanisms such that the second guide mechanism follows the height of the first guide mechanism and can be moved in a transverse direction. Furthermore, the tillage device has a width adjustment unit which can adjust a distance in the transverse direction between the first and second guide mechanisms.