Adjustable Trench Closing Assembly for Seed-to-Soil Contact

Solution Overview

Problem

Achieving good seed-to-soil contact in seed trenches is critical for uniform seed emergence and high yields, but existing technologies often fail to effectively close the seed trench after planting, leading to suboptimal soil coverage around the seeds.

Innovation Solution

A trench closing assembly with adjustable closing wheels, soil deflectors, and a fluid applicator, which ensures proper soil coverage by closing the seed trench and applying soil amendments, utilizing sensors and actuators for precise control and adjustment based on soil conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple closing wheel assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seed-to-soil contact quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing wheel assembly complexityVSAvoidseed-to-soil contact quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The closing wheel assembly is divided into multiple independent closing wheels that can be individually adjusted and controlled. Each closing wheel can be independently positioned and pressured to ensure proper soil closure around seeds at different locations within the trench, improving overall seed-to-soil contact quality without requiring a single complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closing wheel assembly incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the closing wheels to be dynamically positioned and pressed against the soil with variable force. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different soil conditions and trench depths, ensuring consistent seed-to-soil contact while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If fixed closing wheel position is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different soil conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing wheel operationVSAvoidadaptability to soil conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closing wheel assembly incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the closing wheels to be dynamically positioned and pressed against the soil with variable force. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different soil conditions and trench depths, ensuring consistent seed-to-soil contact while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for adjustment of key parameters including the position of closing wheels, the pressure applied by closing wheels, and the depth at which closing occurs. These parameter changes enable the closing assembly to adapt to varying soil conditions, moisture levels, and plant population requirements while remaining easy to operate through straightforward adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12439843B2Trench closing assembly

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 PRECISION PLANTING LLC

AI summary

A trench closing assembly including a fluid applicator.