Design and Parameter Optimization of a Dual-Disc Trenching Device for Ecological Tea Plantations

This paper addresses challenges in the application of existing colters in Chinese ecological tea plantations due to abundant straw roots and insufficient tillage depth. Aligned with the agronomic requirements of hilly eco-tea plantations, our study optimizes the structural advantages of the joint use of rotary tillage blades and double-disc colters to design an efficient trenching device. Our investigation explores the motion characteristics of a double-disc colter during deep trenching operations, in conjunction with rotary tillage blades. Employing discrete element method (DEM) simulations, this paper aims to minimize the working resistance and enhance the tillage depth stability. Single-factor experiments are conducted to determine the impact of key structural parameters on the tillage depth stability and working resistance. The optimal parameters are determined as a relative height of 80 mm to 120 mm, a 280 mm to 320 mm diameter for the double-disc colter, and a 10 degrees to 14 degrees angle between the two discs. The central composite design method is used to optimize the structural parameters of the double-disc colter. The results indicate that when the relative height is 82 mm, the diameter of the double-disc colter is 297 mm, and the angle between the two discs is 14 degrees, the tillage depth stability performance reaches 91.64%. With a working resistance of merely 93.93 N, the trenching device achieves optimal operational performance under these conditions. Field validation testing shows a tillage depth stability coefficient of 92.37% and a working resistance of 104.2 N. These values deviate by 0.73% and 10.93%, respectively, from the simulation results, confirming the reliability of the simulation model. A field validation test further confirms that the operational performance of the colter aligns with the agronomic requirements of ecological tea plantations, offering valuable insights for research on trenching devices in such environments.