Cyclone Separator for Pneumatic Seed Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air systems for delivering seed and fertiliser to plough assemblies face issues such as product trapping, complex shut-off mechanisms, and inefficiencies in distribution, particularly when dealing with mixed products and large seeding areas, leading to incomplete coverage and potential loss of cropping area.
Innovation Solution
An assembly that includes a conduit with a separator and control device to concentrate and distribute granular material efficiently, using an insert member with decreasing cross-sectional areas and a perforated screen to separate material from air, and air distribution means to control airflow, ensuring uniform distribution through multiple secondary conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If product is re-directed from the bar back towards the bin using a valve and hosing system, then product can be recovered, but the system becomes complex and is not suitable for mixed products
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes granular material from the air stream using a cyclone separator, separating the material from the air flow without requiring complex re-direction hosing or valve systems. The cyclone uses centrifugal force to extract material, which is then discharged through a simple outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by utilizing air flow through the cyclone separator to transport and separate granular material. The air stream carries material into the cyclone where centrifugal separation occurs, and the separated material is discharged while clean air continues to the bar.
2Productivity
If the head is positioned upside down to redirect clean air, then air can be sent to the bar, but product becomes trapped in the head affecting distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the head upside down, the invention inverts the separation approach by using a cyclone separator that processes air flow horizontally or at an optimized angle, preventing product trapping while maintaining air distribution efficiency. The cyclone's design allows material to be separated and discharged without blocking the air flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone separator acts as an intermediary device between the air source and the bar, separating material from air flow in a controlled manner. This intermediary function prevents product trapping in the head while ensuring clean air reaches the bar for effective distribution.
3Speed
If the shut off system is positioned close to the bin, then product can be stopped quickly, but it takes 5-8 seconds for all product to work its way out of the air system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the air distribution system into multiple zones with individual control, allowing selective shutdown of specific sections rather than the entire system. This enables faster local shut-off while maintaining product flow in other sections, reducing overall clearance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone separator is positioned to intercept and remove material before it travels far through the air system. By separating material early in the flow path, the system clears product more quickly when shutdown occurs, reducing the 5-8 second clearance time to a shorter duration.
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 prevents product trapping, simplifies the distribution process, and allows for efficient coverage of large areas without missing sections, even in the presence of obstacles, thereby optimizing seed and fertiliser delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a separator to engage the airstream to concentrate the material in a portion of the airstream, the separator being positioned within the conduit upstream of the material delivery means
Implementation Method 2
a conduit to which the material is delivered and to which an airstream is supplied to move the material along the conduit to a delivery downstream destination
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly to distribute flowable particulate material, the assembly including: a conduit to which the material is delivered and to which an airstream is supplied to move the material along the conduit to a delivery downstream destination; material delivery means connected to the conduit for delivery of material to the downstream destination; control means operatively associated with the material delivery means to selectively deliver a pre-determined rate of the material to a separator to engage the airstream to concentrate the material in a portion of the airstream, the separator being positioned within the conduit upstream of the material delivery means; air distribution means in constant fluid communication with the separator and the material delivery means to control airflow to the material delivery means.