Concentric Seed Disc Singulation for Uniform Seed Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing singulating meters struggle to achieve uniform seed spacing for crops like soybeans, which require smaller distances between seeds, often leading to multiple seeds being drawn into apertures and necessitating high rotational speeds, and existing solutions are inefficient in handling different seed sizes and spacings.
Innovation Solution
A singulating meter apparatus with concentric aperture rows and adjustable singulators that allow for even seed distribution, enabling single or dual conduit delivery based on seed size, and incorporating a seed counting sensor for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a seed disc with a single row of seed apertures is rotated at high speed to achieve small seed spacing, then seed spacing is improved, but the risk of drawing multiple seeds into apertures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seed disc is divided into two concentric rows of seed apertures instead of a single row. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fine seed spacing by using the inner row at high rotational speed while the outer row operates at lower speed, thereby maintaining single-seed-per-aperture reliability while improving overall seed spacing uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-row aperture configuration to a two-row concentric aperture configuration, adding a radial dimension to the seed dispensing arrangement. This dimensional change enables the system to handle different seed sizes and spacing requirements simultaneously, reducing the risk of multiple seeds being drawn into apertures while maintaining precise spacing.
2Reliability
If a seed disc with two concentric sets of seed apertures is used to avoid excessive rotational speeds, then the risk of drawing multiple seeds into apertures is reduced, but seed spacing uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The two concentric rows of seed apertures are designed with different radial positions and spacing characteristics tailored to specific seed types. The inner row is optimized for small seeds with tighter spacing, while the outer row is optimized for larger seeds with wider spacing. This local quality differentiation ensures that each row contributes to overall seed spacing uniformity while maintaining single-seed-per-aperture reliability.
3Reliability
If separate singulators are provided for each row of seed apertures, then single seed per aperture reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the singulation functions for both concentric rows into a single integrated singulator assembly. This merged design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate singulators for each row, while still maintaining the reliability of single-seed-per-aperture dispensing through coordinated action of the combined singulation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A singulating meter apparatus comprising a seed disc operative to be rotated in a housing about a disc rotational axis with inner and outer rows of seed apertures defined by the seed disc. A singulator is arranged to protrude from an outer and inner side of both paths. A seed output port is operative to receive seeds from the seed apertures in the inner and outer aperture rows. In a single mode both rows are dispensed into a single seed conduit, and in a dual mode the seeds from each row are dispensed into individual conduits. A seed counting sensor is mounted on the seed output port counts the seeds passing through the seed output port in both the inner and outer seed conduits. A four row disc is also provided that as well has dual and single options.