Double Shoot Seed Boot for Separated Fertilizer Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current double shoot boot systems for simultaneous seed and fertilizer application in agriculture face issues with inconsistent seed placement, seed-to-fertilizer separation, plugging in wet conditions, and poor germination due to seed mixing with fertilizer or deposition on fractured soil.

Innovation Solution

A double shoot seed/fertilizer placement unit with a seed shovel and fertilizer guide member that deposits seeds on laterally disposed shelves above and to the side of a centrally positioned fertilizer trench, ensuring separation and resistance to plugging, while maintaining effective ground penetration and seed germination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a double shoot boot system is used to apply both seed and fertilizer through the same seed boot, then single-pass seeding operation is achieved with reduced fuel consumption and machinery wear, but seed-to-fertilizer separation is inconsistent leading to seed burn or fertilizer toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-pass seeding operationVSAvoidseed-to-fertilizer separation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The seed boot is divided into separate compartments: a fertilizer shoot for applying fertilizer and a seed shoot for applying seed. This segmentation allows both materials to be applied through the same boot structure while maintaining consistent separation, preventing seed burn while achieving single-pass operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition wall with openings acts as an intermediary structure between the fertilizer and seed pathways. The partition allows controlled interaction between the two streams while maintaining separation, ensuring consistent placement without direct contact between seed and fertilizer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate application devices are used for seed and fertilizer in alternating rows, then seed-to-fertilizer separation is maintained, but added cost and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed-to-fertilizer separationVSAvoidseparate application devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seed and fertilizer application devices are merged into a single double shoot boot structure. Both seed and fertilizer are applied through the same boot assembly, reducing the number of separate devices needed while maintaining separation through internal partitioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seed boot is designed to perform multiple functions: it can apply both seed and fertilizer simultaneously through different shoots. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate single-purpose devices, reducing overall system complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If fertilizer is applied in the center between seed rows, then single-pass application is achieved, but immobile nutrients may be stranded up to 6 inches away from the seed rows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-pass applicationVSAvoidnutrient placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fertilizer application is targeted to specific locations adjacent to each seed row rather than being applied in the center between rows. This localized placement ensures immobile nutrients are positioned within 1-2 inches of the seed, improving nutrient availability while maintaining single-pass operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If a complex double shoot boot system is used, then seed and fertilizer can be applied simultaneously, but the system is easily plugged with soil or trash in wet seeding conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous seed and fertilizer applicationVSAvoidresistance to plugging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the seed and fertilizer streams merge after exiting the boot, the design has them exit separately through different shoots. This inverted approach prevents soil and trash from blocking a single common exit path, improving reliability in wet conditions while maintaining simultaneous application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

5Productivity

If current double shoot boot systems spread seed across the whole disturbed area, then seed application is achieved, but seed mixes with fertilizer and poor germination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed applicationVSAvoidseed placement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The boot is segmented into distinct seed and fertilizer shoots with separate exit points. This segmentation confines seed to a narrow band adjacent to the fertilizer trench rather than allowing it to spread across the entire disturbed area, ensuring consistent placement and preventing mixing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7617782B2Seed and fertilizer placement apparatus having double shoot seed boot

Publication Date: 2009.11.17 MORRIS EQUIP LTD

AI summary

A double shoot seed and fertilizer placement unit has a leading shank that cuts a fertilizer trench in the soil, a seed shovel immediately behind but above the lower extremity of the shank to cut one or more seed shelves in the soil above and outboard of the fertilizer trench, a boot behind the shovel that places seeds on the shelf and then drops fertilizer into the fertilizer trench between and below the seeds, and a fertilizer guide member that rides in the fertilizer trench below the fertilizer outlet to maintain the integrity of the trench in preparation for the fertilizer and helps guide the fertilizer down to the bottom of the trench as it emanates from the boot.