Adjustable Height Dual Spinner Assembly for Uniform Granular Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines are inadequate for uniformly dispersing granular commodities over established crops, leading to non-uniform crop densities and inefficient use of treatment materials, especially during turning operations where radial disparities in material application occur.
Innovation Solution
A high-clearance machine equipped with an adjustable height dual spinner broadcast assembly, featuring a container-supported chassis, conveyors, and an adjustable mount arrangement that allows simultaneous adjustment of spinner positions to ensure uniform granular material distribution, including automatic compensation during turns to balance material delivery to both sides of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spinner broadcast assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uniformity of granular material distribution deteriorates due to radial disparities during turning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The broadcast assembly is divided into multiple independent spinner assemblies (at least two spinners per side of the vehicle). Each spinner can be independently adjusted and operated to disperse granular material. This segmentation allows different spinners to compensate for radial disparities during turning, with inner spinners reducing output and outer spinners increasing output to maintain uniform overall distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinner assemblies are mounted on adjustable height mechanisms that allow dynamic repositioning during operation. The height of each spinner can be independently adjusted to control material discharge characteristics. This dynamic adjustment capability enables real-time compensation for turning conditions, maintaining uniform material distribution despite changes in vehicle orientation and speed.
2Productivity
If the vehicle travels at higher speeds to increase productivity, then the output per unit time increases, but the uniformity of material distribution deteriorates due to centrifugal forces during turning
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable height mount arrangements allow the spinners to be dynamically repositioned during turning operations to compensate for centrifugal forces. By lowering inner spinners and raising outer spinners, the system maintains consistent material discharge patterns even at higher travel speeds, preserving both productivity and application uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that detect vehicle turning status and automatically adjust spinner heights accordingly. This feedback loop allows real-time compensation for speed-related centrifugal effects, ensuring uniform material distribution is maintained regardless of travel speed variations.
3Ease of operation
If liquid spray booms are used instead of granular spinners, then the ease of operation improves, but the effectiveness of treatment application deteriorates due to inability to provide delayed time release and extended treatment periods
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle platform is designed with universal capabilities to handle both liquid and granular materials. The chassis, power system, and control mechanisms support multiple material types, while the specific delivery mechanism (spinners for granular, booms for liquid) can be selected or adjusted based on treatment requirements. This multi-functionality allows operators to choose the most effective treatment method for each situation.
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 system achieves uniform granular material distribution across fields with established crops, reducing operational inefficiencies and fuel consumption by adjusting spinner positions and conveyor operations to match turning directions, ensuring consistent application without damaging crops.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor that are oriented to receive material from the container
Implementation Method 2
a spinner assembly in communication with the first and second conveyors. The spinner assembly includes a first disk that is configured to receive granular commodity from the first conveyor and a second disk configured to receive granular commodity from the second conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and assembly for broadcast distributing a granular agricultural material. The assembly includes a container that is configured to be supported by a chassis of a self-powered vehicle and contain a volume of a solid granular material. The assembly includes a spinner assembly that includes a first disk and a second disk that are disposed toward opposite lateral outboard sides of the vehicle. A mount arrangement is disposed between the spinner assembly and the chassis and is adjustable to manipulate a position of the first spinner and the second spinner relative to the chassis. Preferably, the mounting arrangement is configured to simultaneously adjust the position of the first spinner and the second spinner relative to the chassis.