Adjustable Fertilizer Distribution Plate Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilizer distribution devices lack adjustable capacity and are prone to clogging, with fixed passage openings leading to inefficient distribution and increased susceptibility to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A distribution plate with movable plate parts that adjust passage opening sizes, allowing for continuous optimization of flow and self-clearing design to prevent clogging, combined with a rotor and cutter blades for effective solid component chopping and air supply to maintain consistent output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of fertilizer outlets is increased to achieve optimal distribution, then the distribution coverage is improved, but the distributor dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate is divided into multiple segments with each segment containing multiple outlets. This segmentation allows the distributor to accommodate a large number of outlets while maintaining a compact overall structure, as the outlets are distributed across several smaller segments rather than requiring a single large plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional circular distributor to a three-dimensional structure with multiple stacked distribution plates. This vertical stacking arrangement allows the system to accommodate more outlets without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively utilizing the third dimension to resolve the contradiction between outlet quantity and device dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the passage opening size is made adjustable to control output, then the distribution capacity is improved, but the susceptibility to clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passage opening size is made dynamically adjustable through a mechanism that allows the opening diameter to be varied during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different distribution requirements and soil conditions while maintaining the ability to clear clogs by adjusting the opening size, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a mechanism that changes the physical parameter of passage opening size to control distribution capacity. By allowing the opening diameter to be adjusted as a variable parameter, the system can optimize flow rates for different conditions and simultaneously reduce clogging susceptibility by being able to enlarge openings when needed, rather than being fixed at a single size.
3Ease of operation
If the distributor is made compact to reduce space occupation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the number of fertilizer outlets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple distribution plates are stacked one above another, with each plate containing multiple outlets. This nesting arrangement allows the system to accommodate a large total number of outlets within a compact vertical footprint, as the outlets on different plates are arranged in concentric or overlapping patterns, effectively hiding the complexity within a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction between compactness and outlet quantity by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. This vertical utilization of space allows many more outlets to be accommodated within the same horizontal footprint, making the distributor both compact and highly capable of distributing fertilizer through multiple outlets.
4Device complexity
If the distributor capacity is made fixed to simplify structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different distribution requirements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the distribution capacity to be varied during operation without fundamentally changing the overall structure. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different distribution requirements while maintaining relatively simple static structural elements, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a preliminary configuration where the distribution plate is pre-configured with multiple adjustable passage openings of varying sizes. This preliminary arrangement allows the system to provide multiple capacity levels without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms, as the different opening sizes are already in place and can be selectively activated or adjusted as needed, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling adaptability.
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 enables precise and adjustable distribution capacity, reducing clogging risks and enhancing distribution efficiency, allowing for optimal fertilizer spread with increased outlet connectivity and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
solid components present in the fluid fertilizer are chopped up by the rotating blades
Implementation Method 2
an air feed system which must ensure that the fertilizer outlets are provided with air at the moment they are closed by the rotating blades
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a distribution plate (1; 126) for use in a distribution device (100) for fluid substances, such as for example fertilizer, wherein the size of passage openings (4; 127) provided in the distribution plate can be changed by the relative movement of plate parts (3, 4; 129, 130). The invention also relates to a distribution device for fluid substances, such as for example fertilizer, which contains such a distribution plate, and also to a fertilizer device (150) for spreading fluid substances, such as for example fertilizer, over the ground, which fertilizer device is provided with one or more such distribution devices.