Coupled Seed Agglomeration for Uniform Sowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are unable to effectively coat seeds of different natures and sizes, particularly those with varying granulometries, which hinders the successful interculture sowing of multiple species.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the application of a liquid gum composed of white sugar, arabic gum syrup, and starch to seeds of different granulometries, followed by agglomeration, drying, smoothing, and buffing, to create coupled grains with a uniform size suitable for conventional sowing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seeds of different sizes are sown as a mixture, then multiple species can be sown, but even distribution of germination cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple seed types of different sizes into a single coupled grain structure, where smaller seeds are embedded within or attached to larger seeds. This merging allows diverse species to be sown together while maintaining uniform distribution, as the coupled grains behave as single units during sowing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds smaller seeds within the structure of larger seeds, creating a nested configuration where multiple seed types are housed within a single outer grain structure. This nesting ensures that seeds of different sizes are distributed uniformly since they travel together as one unit through the sowing process.
2Ease of operation
If conventional spreading equipment is used for coupled grains, then sowing can be carried out regularly, but uniform distribution of different seed species is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple seed types into coupled grains that function as single units, the invention enables conventional spreading equipment to distribute different seed species uniformly. The coupled structure ensures that all seed types within a grain are deposited together at the same location, achieving even distribution without requiring specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If seeds are coated with materials, then protection against mold and germination control is achieved, but coating seeds of different types and sizes is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies coating materials to the exterior of coupled grains that contain multiple seed types of different sizes. By coating the coupled structure as a whole rather than individual seeds, the invention achieves uniform protection for all seed types within the grain while maintaining the ability to handle diverse seed combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of smaller seeds within larger seeds allows a single coating layer applied to the outer surface to protect all embedded seeds. This nesting approach enables versatile coating of different seed types simultaneously, as the outer coating envelops multiple seed varieties regardless of their individual sizes.
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 process allows for the regular distribution and successful sowing of multiple seed species, enhancing soil preparation and plant cover diversity without requiring special equipment, while maintaining the quality of sowing even after harvest.
Implementation Method 1
a glue is applied to the first and second coated grains by spraying before agglomeration
Implementation Method 2
it has not been possible to coat seeds of different types, and especially seeds of different sizes or particle sizes
Implementation Method 3
the coupled grains are subjected to a coating step, followed by a drying, smoothing and polishing step
Data Source
AI summary
A process for obtaining coupled grains, each consisting of at least two coupled species of seeds, comprising the following steps: a first coating of a first species of seed is carried out by spraying a liquid gum onto a bed of seeds of that first species; drying is carried out, for example by ventilation, to obtain first coated grains of the first species of seed; at least a second coating of a second species of seed is carried out in the same way to obtain second coated grains of the second seed; the coated grains of the first and second seeds are agglomerated by coupling in a mixer to produce coupled grains, each consisting of one coated grain of each of the species of seed; and the coupled grains are sorted using a density table.