Design and Analysis of a Bionic Pressing Roller Based on the Structural Characteristics of Pangolin Scales

In response to the challenges posed by high operational resistance and significant soil adhesion faced by traditional pressing rollers in moist clay soils, this study introduces a bionic pressing roller inspired by the imbricated scale structure of the pangolin. The fundamental working principles of the roller are elucidated, and its key structural parameters are designed. Utilizing the discrete element method (DEM), the structural parameters of the bionic scales are optimized through Response Surface Methodology (RSM), with traveling resistance and the mass of adhered soil serving as evaluation indicators. Field experiments are conducted to validate the operational performance of the bionic roller. The optimal parameter combination is identified as follows: a scale length of 130 mm, 10 scales, and an overlap rate of 50%. Field comparison tests reveal that the bionic roller significantly reduces traveling resistance by 11.0% and decreases the mass of adhered soil by 47.2% compared to the traditional roller at a soil moisture content of 35%. This study confirms that the bionic roller, which mimics the pangolin scale structure, demonstrates superior anti-adhesion and drag-reduction characteristics. The findings are anticipated to provide a reference for the energy-efficient design of soil-engaging components in agricultural machinery, including ridging and shaping machines.