Batch Seed Coating Device with Articulating Gate and Mixing Blades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing batch seed coating devices face challenges in efficiently mixing seeds with coatings and discharging coated seeds without damaging them, and in accurately metering seed quantities for effective coating processes.

Innovation Solution

A batch seed coating device with a housing forming a seed mixing bowl, featuring angularly spaced mixing blades with radially inward angled leading faces for efficient mixing, a moveable mixing blade for directing the mixture radially inward and outward, and an articulating gate for precise seed metering and discharge, along with a seed scale fill system for minimizing mechanical impact during seed handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional mixing devices are used, then mixing function is provided, but mixing efficiency is low and seed damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidseed damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing system is segmented into multiple mixing blades arranged at different radial positions and angles within the mixing bowl, allowing simultaneous multi-point mixing action that increases efficiency while distributing mechanical stress to reduce seed damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing blades are designed with adjustable angles and positions that can be optimized for different seed types and coating viscosities, enabling dynamic adaptation to minimize seed damage while maintaining high mixing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If conventional discharge mechanisms are used, then discharge function is provided, but coated seeds are damaged during discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge efficiencyVSAvoidseed damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transition chute with controlled geometry serves as an intermediary between the mixing bowl and collection container, providing a gentle curved path that reduces impact forces and minimizes seed damage during discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge mechanism controls the flow rate and discharge angle as adjustable parameters, optimizing the discharge process to maintain productivity while reducing mechanical impact on coated seeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If conventional seed metering is used, then seed supply is provided, but seed quantity accuracy is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed quantity accuracyVSAvoidmetering system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical metering mechanisms with a scale-based weighing system that directly measures seed quantity, achieving high precision without the complexity of intricate mechanical metering devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If mechanical impact during seed handling is high, then handling speed is fast, but seed damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed handling speedVSAvoidseed damage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates cushioning elements and controlled deceleration zones in the seed handling path, providing prior protection against impact forces while maintaining overall handling speed efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 ensures efficient mixing and discharge of coated seeds with reduced damage, while accurately metering seeds to ensure uniform coating, enhancing germination and seed handling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of mixing blades angularly spaced around the interior of the seed mixing bowl with a leading face of each mixing blade angled radially inward along a direction of rotation about the rotational axis to in use direct the mixture radially inward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the discharge chute having an arcuate leading interior wall shaped to direct coated seeds, which are discharged into the discharge chute from the interior through the discharge port, to move radially outward in a chute rotational direction that is opposite to the direction of stirring rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS20230157199A1Batch seed coating devices, scale fillers, mixers, discharge chutes and gates, and related systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.05.25 BRACE TIMOTHY TODD

AI summary

Various batch mixers and related components and methods for coating seeds to be used in planting and other applications where it is desired to enhance germination of the seed or growth of the resulting plant. Seed supply systems include an articulating gate on a seed scale fill hopper. A lateral discharge gate on a seed supply hopper is provided. Unique mixing bars or blades are arranged around an interior of a stirring batch mixer. A discharge chute may be provided to dissipate kinetic energy of coated seeds without damaging the seeds.