Adjustable Wiping Elements for Single-Grain Sowing Seed Singulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sowing hearts for pneumatic single-grain sowing machines face challenges in reliably singulating seeds, particularly with tough seeds like carrots, due to insufficient negative pressure interruption and seed jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
A wiping device with adjustable and spring-loaded wiping elements that can be attached to the sowing heart, allowing optimal adjustment and fixation relative to the sowing disk, combined with a control circuit and line scan camera for real-time monitoring and adjustment to ensure accurate seed singulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wiper is used to remove surplus seed, then the structure is simple, but reliable singulation of tough seeds like carrots cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The wiping device is divided into multiple wiping elements (at least two) that can be independently adjusted and work together to remove surplus seed. Each wiping element handles a portion of the seed removal task, collectively achieving reliable singulation that a single wiper cannot accomplish alone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wiping elements are made adjustable in multiple directions, then optimal adjustment is possible, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wiping elements are designed with adjustable positions that can be dynamically modified during operation. The adjustment mechanism allows the wiping elements to be positioned optimally for different seed types and conditions, providing adaptability without requiring overly complex mechanisms.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If wiping elements are spring-loaded to compensate for wear, then operational longevity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spring elements are integrated into the wiping element assembly to provide pre-loaded compensation for wear. As the wiping elements wear during operation, the spring elements automatically adjust to maintain proper contact pressure with the seed, extending the service life of the wiping elements without requiring frequent manual adjustment or replacement.
4Measurement precision
If automated adjustment with control circuit and camera is implemented, then monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A control circuit with a line scan camera is implemented to monitor the seed singulation process in real-time. The camera captures images of the seed on the sowing disk, and the control circuit analyzes these images to detect improper singulation. This feedback system automatically triggers adjustments to the wiping elements, providing precise monitoring and automatic correction without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
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 reliable singulation of seeds, even with complex seed types, by removing surplus seeds and ensuring only one grain per sowing hole, while minimizing wear and maintenance through automated adjustment and precise control, thus enhancing the operational longevity of the sowing heart.
Implementation Method 1
the wiping elements can be designed to be spring-loaded, in particular together, in a direction orthogonal to the sowing disk
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic waves directed from a radiation source to the sowing disk are reflected by the sowing disk and detected by the line scan camera after reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Sowing heart for a single-grain sowing machine comprising: a sowing disk rotatable in a rotational direction R, the sowing disk having at least two sowing hole series, arranged concentrically to the sowing disk, with sowing holes, a receiving area for receiving seed at the sowing holes and a dispensing area for dispensing seed, in front of the dispensing area, a wiping device is provided for singulating seed at the sowing holes during the operation of the sowing heart, which has a first wiping element for the first sowing hole series and a second wiping element for the second sowing hole series, whereby the wiping elements are coupled and are designed to be adjustable with respect to one another. In addition, the invention relates to a single-grain sowing machine with a considerable number of sowing aggregates, in each case with an above-mentioned sowing heart and a corresponding wiping device.