Air Seeder Inlet Divider Plenum with Movable Vanes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air seeders face challenges in efficiently distributing commodities like seeds and fertilizers across multiple rows of passages using a single fan system, leading to uneven airflow and distribution.

Innovation Solution

The seed cart employs an inlet divider plenum with movable vanes to control airflow ratios between separate sets of passages, allowing for precise division of air streams from a single fan into multiple rows of primaries, ensuring consistent and adjustable distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single fan system is used to distribute commodities across multiple rows of passages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the airflow distribution becomes uneven and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefan system structureVSAvoidairflow distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet plenum is divided into multiple outlet plenums, each serving specific rows of passages. This segmentation allows independent airflow control to different row groups, ensuring uniform distribution while maintaining a single fan system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Outlet plenums act as intermediary components between the single fan and multiple rows of passages. These intermediaries distribute and balance airflow, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and distribution reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional flow-guiding structures are added to improve airflow distribution, then the airflow distribution uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow distribution uniformityVSAvoidflow-guiding structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow-guiding function is achieved through segmentation of the inlet plenum into multiple outlet plenums rather than adding complex flow-guiding structures. This modular approach improves distribution while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple fans are used to serve different rows of passages, then the airflow distribution uniformity improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow distribution uniformityVSAvoidfan system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments airflow distribution into multiple outlet plenums that collectively serve all rows, eliminating the need for multiple fans while maintaining distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single fan system is made multi-functional through the outlet plenum configuration, allowing one fan to efficiently serve multiple rows of passages with uniform distribution, replacing the need for multiple dedicated fans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If fixed airflow distribution is used across all rows, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different planting configurations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow control systemVSAvoidplanting row configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed airflow distribution to dynamic control through adjustable outlet plenums. Each outlet plenum can be independently adjusted to accommodate different planting row configurations, enhancing adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient and flexible distribution of commodities across multiple rows, improving planting accuracy and reducing the need for additional flow-guiding structures, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of air seeders.

Implementation Method 1

A fan is operable to create an air stream, and a set of primary tubes is coupled to the fan to receive separate portions of the air stream from the fan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow division:

Implementation Method 2

The flow of air from each of the plurality of primary tubes is divided amongst the two corresponding outlets with a movable vane within the inlet divider plenum such that an airflow ratio between the two sets of passages is controlled in response to the position of the vane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow control through movable vane:

Data Source

PatentUS9648801B2Air seeding cart and manifold for same

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 DEERE & CO

AI summary

In a method of operating a seed cart, a compartment is provided defining a volume for receiving a commodity. A distribution manifold is provided including two sets of passages, the distribution manifold being associated with the compartment to selectively receive a commodity in one or both of the two sets of passages. A fan is operated to create an air stream. The air stream from the fan is divided into a plurality of primary tubes. An inlet divider plenum is provided having two outlets in communication with each one of the primary tubes. The flow of air from each of the plurality of primary tubes is divided amongst the two corresponding outlets with a corresponding movable vane within the inlet divider plenum such that an airflow ratio between the two sets of passages is controlled in response to the position of the vane.