Seeding System With Dual Metering for Precise Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seeding systems face challenges in achieving precise seed placement and varying seeding rates, with planters requiring individual seed metering for precise placement and air seeders using volumetric metering for high rates, leading to inefficiencies in applications where both precision and high rates are needed.
Innovation Solution
A seeding system incorporating a commodity tank with multiple outlets, a volumetric meter, and a manifold with selective airflow distribution, allowing for both volumetric and singulating metering, along with a seed-on-demand distribution system to manage seed flow, ensuring precise seed placement and varying rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If volumetric metering is used for high rate seeding, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the seeding operation into two separate pathways: a first outlet connected to a volumetric meter for high-rate seeding applications, and a second outlet for singulating technologies. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the system to achieve both high productivity and precise placement depending on the application requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If singulating technologies are used for precise seed placement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a controller that can dynamically switch between the first outlet (volumetric metering) and the second outlet (singulating technologies) based on the desired seeding rate and placement precision requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its metering approach in real-time, optimizing both productivity and precision for different operational conditions.
3Device complexity
If a single outlet system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The commodity tank is designed with multiple outlets that can serve different functions: the first outlet for volumetric metering at high rates, the second outlet for singulating technologies at precise rates. The controller universally manages both pathways, allowing a single system to adapt to various seeding requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems for each application.
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 system enables precise seed placement and flexible seeding rates, enhancing agricultural efficiency by allowing for both volumetric and singulating metering, thereby optimizing seed distribution in various agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
A valve is positioned upstream of the first and second air inlets and configured to direct an airflow to one of the first air inlet or the second air inlet
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first shoot and the second shoot are in selective communication with the commodity inlet to receive the commodity therefrom
Implementation Method 3
A volumetric meter has a meter inlet at the first outlet of the commodity tank, a meter outlet, and a metering device between the meter inlet and the meter outlet
Implementation Method 4
The second outlet of the commodity tank bypasses the volumetric meter
Data Source
AI summary
A seeding system includes a commodity tank configured to store a commodity, the commodity tank having an outlet. A meter has a meter inlet at the outlet of the commodity tank, a meter outlet, and a metering device between the meter inlet and the meter outlet. A manifold has a commodity inlet at the meter outlet, a first shoot having a first air inlet and a first manifold outlet, and a second shoot having a second air inlet and a second manifold outlet. A valve is positioned upstream of the first and second air inlets and configured to selectively direct an airflow to the first air inlet and to selectively direct the airflow to the second air inlet. Each of the first shoot and the second shoot are in selective communication with the commodity inlet to receive the commodity therefrom.