Air Distribution Head Layout for Even Seed and Fertiliser Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air systems for delivering seed and fertiliser to plough assemblies face issues such as product trapping, complex re-direction systems, and uneven distribution, especially when dealing with mixed products and obstacles, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete seeding.
Innovation Solution
A conduit system with a separator to concentrate material in an airstream, an air distribution head, a mixing conduit with turbulence-inducing features, and a control device with a sliding gate valve to ensure even distribution and precise control of material flow to the downstream destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the air distribution head is positioned close to the bin outlet, then the system structure is compact, but material can fall back into the air distribution head and enter the air conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution head is inverted and positioned above the bin outlet rather than below it. This inversion prevents material from falling back into the head while maintaining compact positioning. The inverted configuration allows material to be distributed downward away from the head, eliminating the risk of material re-entry into the air conduits.
2Speed
If the shut off system is positioned close to the bin, then the control response is fast, but product becomes trapped in the system for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The shut off system is extracted from the traditional position near the bin and relocated to the air distribution head. This separation allows the shut off mechanism to be positioned where it can quickly clear product from the entire air distribution system, preventing product trapping while maintaining fast control response.
3Ease of operation
If mixed products are returned to the bin for re-direction, then product distribution is controlled, but the system complexity increases and requires extra hosing
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution head incorporates the shut off system directly, allowing it to self-regulate product flow without requiring external re-direction hosing or complex control mechanisms. Each air distribution head can independently control its product supply, eliminating the need for centralized re-direction systems and extra hosing infrastructure.
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 ensures efficient, even distribution of seed and fertiliser, reducing material trapping and enabling seamless operation around obstacles, with precise control over material flow, especially in large areas and mixed product applications.
Implementation Method 1
a separator to engage the airstream to concentrate the material in a concentrated portion of the airstream by separating a portion of the airstream
Implementation Method 2
a mixing conduit with turbulence-inducing features, and a control device with a sliding gate valve to ensure even distribution
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided to distribute flowable particulate material, and includes a conduit to which the material is delivered and to which an airstream is supplied to move the material along the conduit to a delivery downstream destination, a separator, within the conduit, to engage the airstream to concentrate the material in a concentrated portion of the airstream by separating a portion of the airstream, an output connected to the conduit downstream of the separator to receive the flowable particular material and deliver the material to the downstream destination, and an air distribution head in constant fluid communication with the separator to receive the separated portion of the air stream and also in constant fluid communication with the output to assist the delivery of the flowable particulate material by the output to the downstream destination by delivering the separated portion of the air stream to the output.