Reconfigurable Drill Distribution System for Mixed Product Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seeders or drills often require different delivery systems for separate and mixed product configurations, leading to complexity and inefficiency in distributing multiple granular products like seeds and fertilizers, with issues of product recovery and spacing in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A drill with a distribution system featuring separate and mixed configurations, allowing for the simultaneous or separate distribution of products through aligned seeding units, using a body with hollow sections and outlets that can be configured for either separate or mixed product delivery, along with metering means and a delivery system to control product flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate delivery systems are used for separate and mixed product configurations, then product distribution flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system uses a single integrated delivery system that can perform both separate and mixed product distribution functions by reconfiguring the hollow sections. The same delivery conduits serve dual purposes depending on the configuration of the hollow sections, eliminating the need for separate delivery systems for different distribution modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow sections are designed to be reconfigurable between separate and mixed configurations, allowing the delivery system to dynamically adapt its structure. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to switch between different distribution modes without requiring physical changes to the delivery conduits themselves.
2Productivity
If products are mixed in a tank for simultaneous distribution, then distribution efficiency is improved, but product recovery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system segments the hollow sections into separate controllable units that can be individually configured. This segmentation allows products to be kept separate in their respective hollow sections during transport, enabling individual recovery if needed, while still allowing mixed distribution when both sections are configured to deliver simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow sections can dynamically reconfigure from a mixed state to a separate state, allowing the system to switch between mixed distribution mode (for efficiency) and separate distribution mode (for product recovery). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both modes as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution system for a drill including a body having at least two outlets defined therein and having at least two separate hollow sections configurable into a selected one of separate and mixed configurations. Each of the sections in the separate configuration is in communication with a single respective one of the outlets such that the distribution system is adapted to separately distribute the product received in each of the sections through the single respective one of the outlets. Each of the sections in the mixed configuration is in communication with the at least two outlets such that the distribution system is adapted to simultaneously distribute the product received in each of the sections through the at least two outlets.