Autonomous Pneumatic Sowing Element for Seed Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-seed sowing machines face inefficiencies due to centralized pneumatic systems that result in uneven air flow distribution, leading to increased energy consumption and potential seed loss, especially when deactivating distributors for parallel tracks in fields.

Innovation Solution

Each sowing element is equipped with an autonomous pneumatic device that adjusts air flow based on seed shape, size, and weight, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for long flexible tubes, allowing for independent control and integration within the machine's design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a centralized pneumatic device is used to supply air flow to all distribution boxes, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the air flow distribution becomes uneven and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized pneumatic system into multiple independent pneumatic devices, each associated with a specific sowing element and distribution box. This segmentation allows each device to operate independently, optimizing air flow for its specific location and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each pneumatic device is tailored to the specific requirements of its associated distribution box, providing locally optimized air flow characteristics. This ensures uniform seed pickup across all distribution boxes regardless of their position, addressing the uneven air flow problem while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If long flexible tubes are used to channel air flow from the centralized pneumatic device to outer distribution boxes, then the system structure is simpler, but the pressure drop increases and seed pickup becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pneumatic device from the centralized system and places it locally at each sowing element. This eliminates the need for long flexible tubes and associated pressure drops, improving reliability while actually reducing overall system complexity by removing the tube network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the suction pressure is set to the upper operating range to assure optimum pickup for outer distribution boxes, then seed pickup is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Each pneumatic device operates at its own optimized pressure level suitable for its specific distribution box location, eliminating the need to run the entire system at high pressure. This local optimization maintains reliable seed pickup while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If distributors are deactivated to create parallel non-sowed tracks, then field treatment coordination is improved, but the pneumatic device continues to consume energy at full speed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented pneumatic system allows individual devices to be independently controlled and deactivated when their associated distributors are deactivated. This maintains adaptability for creating non-sowed tracks while eliminating wasted energy consumption from continuously operating pneumatic devices.

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 enhances energy efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and allows for precise seed distribution with reduced noise and improved operational flexibility, enabling adaptable sowing for various crops and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic device generates compressed air, which is used to achieve entrainment of the seeds and ejection thereof toward the soil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic distribution: Air Entrainment

Implementation Method 2

distribution is achieved by means of a perforated disk, onto which the seeds are sucked by vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS10470355B2Sowing element equipped with an own pneumatic device and pneumatic single-seed sowing machine having at least one such sowing element

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 KUHN SA

AI summary

A seeding element including a tank configured to contain seeds, at least one planting device and at least one dispensing housing delivering the seeds, one by one, via a rotary dosing element, the seeds being dispensed pneumatically. A pneumatic single-grain seeder can include at least one of the seeding element.