Wing Toolbar Connection Assembly for Narrow Row Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural planting implements with multiple row units have limited spacing between row units due to the width of each row unit, restricting the spacing between rows of deposited seeds or agricultural products.
Innovation Solution
The agricultural planting implement features a connection assembly with pivotally coupled arms that allow the second wing toolbar to rotate relative to the first wing toolbar, enabling a more compact configuration during transport and allowing for narrower spacing between rows of deposited seeds or agricultural products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If row units are arranged along the length of a single wing toolbar, then the spacing between row units is limited by the toolbar width, but the implement width for transport remains large
Solution Approach 1:
The planting implement is divided into multiple wing toolbars (first wing toolbar and second wing toolbar) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each wing toolbar supports a set of row units, allowing the system to segment the row unit arrangement across multiple modular sections rather than concentrating all rows on a single toolbar, thereby enabling narrower overall width while maintaining adequate spacing between rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly enables the second wing toolbar to rotate relative to the first wing toolbar, transitioning the arrangement of row units from a primarily lateral (width-wise) distribution to include a longitudinal (length-wise) component. This dimensional transformation allows row units to be distributed along the direction of travel as well as across the width, achieving narrower implement width while preserving row spacing through the rotated configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If the implement width is reduced for transport, then the spacing between row units is limited, but transport efficiency improves
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the second wing toolbar to rotate relative to the first wing toolbar between transport and planting configurations. During transport, the toolbars are positioned to minimize width, while during planting operations, the connection assembly enables rotation to achieve the required row spacing, thus dynamically adapting the implement geometry to different operational requirements without permanent compromise to either transport efficiency or planting performance.
3Length of moving object
If multiple wing toolbars are used to increase row capacity, then the device complexity increases, but the spacing between rows can be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support between wing toolbars, enables rotational movement for configuration changes, and facilitates both transport and planting operations through a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving the desired row spacing and transport capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural planting implement includes a first wing toolbar configured to support a first set of row units. The first wing toolbar is configured to pivotally couple to a main frame of the agricultural planting implement. The agricultural planting implement also includes a second wing toolbar configured to support a second set of row units. In addition, the agricultural planting implement includes a connection assembly having at least one arm pivotally coupling the second wing toolbar to the first wing toolbar. The at least one arm is pivotally coupled to the first wing toolbar and non-pivotally coupled to the second wing toolbar. Furthermore, the connection assembly includes an actuator configured to drive the second wing toolbar to rotate relative to the first wing toolbar.