Distribution Ramp for Pneumatic Agricultural Applicator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Dry agricultural product applicators with pneumatic delivery systems face issues of particulate material settling or drifting along delivery line walls, leading to delivery inconsistencies due to gravitational settling, which affects uniform distribution when reaching the distributor and downstream nozzles.

Innovation Solution

A distribution ramp system with an angled surface nested against the delivery line's lower wall, designed to lift settled particulate material back into the main airflow, utilizing a convex surface that matches the delivery line's curvature to ensure smooth flow and prevent trapping, with a mounting arrangement that secures the ramp to the line and includes crush ribs for mechanical locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If longer delivery lines are used to widen application coverage, then productivity is improved, but particulate material settling and delivery consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication coverage widthVSAvoiddelivery consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A distribution ramp is introduced as an intermediary component between the delivery line and the distributor inlet. The ramp mediates the interaction between settled particulate material and the airflow, redirecting material back into the airflow path without requiring changes to the delivery line length or distributor design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution ramp extracts settled particulate material from the delivery line wall surface and separates it from the harmful settling path. By removing material from the wall and redirecting it upward, the system maintains delivery consistency despite long line lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If pneumatic delivery systems are used to increase coverage, then productivity is improved, but particulate material settling and distribution uniformity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage per passVSAvoiddistribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution ramp performs preliminary action by redirecting settled particulate material back into the airflow before the material reaches the distributor. This pre-intervention prevents uneven distribution at the distributor outlet, ensuring uniformity is maintained throughout the delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp introduces a vertical dimension to the otherwise horizontal flow path. By creating an upward redirecting surface, the ramp adds a vertical velocity component to settled material, lifting it back into the central airflow from the delivery line wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If delivery lines are extended to reach outer boom ends, then application coverage is improved, but pressure drop increases due to material settling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery areaVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution ramp converts the harmful effect of settled material into a beneficial redirecting mechanism. The settled material that would normally cause blockages and pressure drops is instead captured by the ramp and redirected back into the airflow, reducing pressure loss and maintaining system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The ramp system effectively redirects particulate material back into the central airflow, enhancing uniform distribution and reducing pressure drop, thereby improving delivery consistency and ensuring a more even application of dry agricultural products across the field.

Implementation Method 1

dry agricultural product particulate material can drift or settle out of the delivery line's centrally flowing main airflow portion and cling to or drag along the delivery line's inner circumferential surface or inside wall surface(s). This may include gravitationally settling out or dragging on the bottom of the inside wall.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational settling: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20210221626A1Distribution Ramp For Dry Agricultural Product Applicator

Publication Date: 2021.07.22 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A distribution ramp system for a dry product applicator with a pneumatic conveyance system is provided which lifts product that drags along a bottom surface(s) of a delivery line's wall(s) back into a main central or primary airflow portion that carries the product downstream through the pneumatic conveyance system. The system may include a ramp that nests against a bottom wall of the delivery line with a narrow front and wide back so the ramp presents a gradual wedge facing toward the incoming upstream airflow entrained with particulate material of the product, urging particulate material dragging on the bottom wall to lift away from the bottom wall and toward reentry into the primary airflow portion.