Broadcast Spreader Assembly with Segmented Adjustable Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadcast spreaders fail to deliver the proper dosage of granular materials evenly and efficiently, as they often struggle with varying granule sizes and lack adjustable dosage and rate control, especially for different types of materials, and do not allow for convenient digital or app-based adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A broadcast spreader assembly with a rotating drive shaft and distribution chamber that can be controlled manually or remotely via software, allowing for adjustable rotational speed and volume settings, enabling precise distribution of granular materials using a hopper with a valve and various spreader mechanisms such as spinning lawnmower blades or air blowers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the opening on the spreader is made wide to allow large particles to pass through, then the spreader can handle varying granule sizes, but much more of the smaller particulate passes through than necessary, causing improper dosage distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader opening is segmented into multiple adjustable slots or openings of different sizes. Each slot can be independently adjusted or selected based on the granule size of the material being spread, allowing the user to match the opening size to the specific material requirements while preventing excessive small particle discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader incorporates an adjustable opening mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the discharge opening size. This enables the opening to be adapted to different granule sizes while maintaining precise control over the quantity of material discharged, resolving the contradiction between handling size variation and controlling dosage.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added to control dosage and rate, then proper dosage distribution can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader utilizes simple parameter changes such as adjustable opening widths and rotational speeds that can be controlled through basic mechanical means. These parameter adjustments enable precise dosage control without requiring complex electronic systems or multiple moving parts, maintaining simplicity while achieving measurement precision.
3Quantity of substance
If the spreader is designed for precise dosage control, then proper material distribution can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to multiple adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader is designed with universal adjustment capabilities that can accommodate different granular materials and dosage requirements through a standardized interface. The single adjustable opening mechanism serves multiple functions by adapting to various material types and distribution needs, reducing the number of separate adjustments required while maintaining distribution accuracy.
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
Enables accurate and efficient distribution of granular materials by allowing for customizable dosage and rate adjustments, ensuring even coverage and compatibility with different materials, and facilitating remote control through mobile devices for enhanced usability.
Implementation Method 1
a motor disposed within the housing and a rotating drive shaft having a distribution chamber on one side of the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
The hopper may also include a valve on a bottom portion thereof, wherein the valve may be placed into an open position, which allows the granular material to flow out of the hopper
Data Source
AI summary
A broadcast spreader assembly for spreading granular material over a yard, field, or the like includes a hopper for holding granular material, a motor for driving a rotating drive shaft having a distribution chamber in a side of the rotating drive shaft, and a spreader mechanism. The rotating distribution chamber delivers a constant dosage of granular material to the spreader mechanism with each rotation thereof. The broadcast spreader may be remotely controlled by software on a smart phone, tablet or other computing device, and the rotational speed of the drive shaft and distribution chamber may vary in accordance with the ground speed of the broadcast spreader, in order to administer the proper dosage of granular material to a specific area or acreage of land. The broadcast spreader assembly is attachable to a spreader mechanism, such as a lawn or blower, or the like.