Agricultural Particulate Distribution via Segmented Metering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural implements face challenges in delivering seed and fertilizer uniformly and efficiently, often resulting in seed damage and inaccurate distribution due to the need to transport particulate material over long distances at high speeds, leading to potential germination issues and yield reduction.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a distribution system with multiple metering modules spaced along the agricultural implement, each independently controlling the flow of particulate material to ground-engaging seeding units, utilizing a demand fill distribution assembly and pneumatic delivery to ensure precise and gentle placement of seed and fertilizer, with each unit positioned close to its respective metering module to prevent seed damage and ensure uniform application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If particulate material is transported over long distances at high speeds, then delivery speed is improved, but seed damage increases and distribution accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidseed damage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the particulate material delivery into multiple segments by using several metering modules distributed along the implement. Each module handles a specific zone, reducing the distance each segment of material must travel and minimizing damage while maintaining overall delivery speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A demand fill distribution assembly acts as an intermediary between the particulate material source and the metering modules. This intermediary system uses pneumatic delivery with demand fill to transport material gently and efficiently, reducing mechanical impact and damage while maintaining delivery speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple metering modules are distributed along the implement, then distribution accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each metering module is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can independently meter and deliver particulate material to its assigned zone. This standardization reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high distribution accuracy across multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The demand fill distribution assembly merges the functions of material transport, storage, and delivery control into a single integrated system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining precise distribution control across multiple metering modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If metering modules are positioned close to ground injection points, then seed placement accuracy is improved, but transport distance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidtransport distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The implement is divided into multiple zones with metering modules distributed along its length. This segmentation allows each module to be positioned optimally close to its corresponding ground injection points, improving placement accuracy while the overall system handles the extended transport distance through efficient pneumatic delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables precise, uniform, and efficient distribution of seed and fertilizer, reducing seed damage and ensuring accurate placement, thereby enhancing germination rates and yield per acre by placing the metering functions closer to the ground injection points and allowing for zone control to prevent double application.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a demand fill distribution assembly and pneumatic delivery to ensure precise and gentle placement of seed and fertilizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic delivery: Air Entrainment

Data Source

PatentUS9148990B2Agricultural implement particulate distribution system

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 VADERSTAD LLC

AI summary

An exemplary agricultural implement includes a plurality of units configured to inject particulate material into a ground surface and a plurality of metering modules. Each metering module is configured to receive a supply of particulate material and to meter the particulate material to a set of the plurality of units. A distribution assembly is configured to receive particulate material from a source and to distribute the particulate material to the plurality of metering modules.