Granular Material Distribution Device with Compressed Air Return
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing granular material distribution devices face issues with uncontrolled material flow and delayed switch-off times due to insufficient conveying air when interrupting material feed into discharge lines, leading to uncontrolled material deposition.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a compressed air supply device to introduce compressed air into the discharge line, especially in the second switching state of the return device, to compensate for reduced conveying air and maintain controlled material transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conveying air is diverted into a return line to interrupt material feed, then material placement interruption is achieved, but conveying air flow to the discharge line is reduced or prevented causing uncontrolled material flow
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path is segmented into multiple independent channels: a return line for diverting air during interruption, and a separate compressed air supply line for maintaining discharge line flow. This segmentation allows independent control of each function without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Compressed air acts as an intermediary substance to maintain material conveyance in the discharge line when the primary conveying air is diverted to the return line. This intermediary air source ensures continuous controlled flow during interruption operations.
2Ease of operation
If conveying air is diverted into a return line, then material feed interruption is achieved, but switch-off time is delayed due to insufficient air flow to convey remaining material
Solution Approach 1:
Compressed air is supplied in advance and remains available in the compressed air supply device to immediately take over conveying duty when the return line is activated. This preliminary preparation of air supply eliminates delays in material conveyance during switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air supply device ensures continuous useful action by maintaining air flow to the discharge line throughout the entire operation, including during return line activation. This continuous air supply prevents interruptions in material conveyance and eliminates switch-off delays.
3Reliability
If compressed air is fed into the discharge line, then material transport control is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional compressed air supply system
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air supply device serves multiple functions: it provides air for the discharge line during normal operation, maintains air flow during return line activation, and can be used for rapid material ejection. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in air pressure and flow parameters to control material transport. By adjusting compressed air pressure and flow rate, the system can maintain reliable material conveyance under varying operational conditions without requiring complex mechanical control mechanisms.
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 ensures predictable and regulated material flow, preventing uncontrolled deposition and delaying switch-off times by maintaining a consistent air flow rate in the discharge line.
Implementation Method 1
compressed air is fed into the discharge line as an alternative or in addition to the conveying air of a single flow of conveying air and material flowing into the return device
Implementation Method 2
granular material flowing in the direction of a discharge line can be fed back into a main conveying line
Implementation Method 3
recirculation systems, through which granular material flowing in the direction of a discharge line can be fed back into a main conveying line
Implementation Method 4
recirculation devices with bypass lines are used to divert air from an air-material flow being recirculated, thereby avoiding excessive air entrainment into the main conveying line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a distribution device (10) for granular material, in particular seeds and/or fertilizer, with a distribution head (14) which is configured to divide a conveying air-material main flow (FMH) supplied to the distribution head (14) via a main conveying line (12) into several conveying air-material individual flows (FME), and at least one switchable return device (16a-16e) which is configured to introduce, in a first switching state, a conveying air-material individual flow (FME) flowing into the return device (16a-16e) into a discharge line (26) and, in a second switching state, to introduce the granular material and at least a portion of the conveying air of a conveying air-material individual flow (FME) flowing into the return device (16a-16e) into a return line (36) connected to the main conveying line (12).