Dual Rotating Plate Spreader for Uniform Broadcast
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually operated broadcast spreaders suffer from skewing of the broadcast pattern, especially at larger angles, and fail to provide an efficient and reliable method for controlling material distribution over a large area without high concentration in certain areas.
Innovation Solution
A manually driven spreader with two parallel rotatable plates and sliding perforated closure elements, allowing for precise control of material flow and distribution, eliminating the need for deflectors and enabling a more even spread by adjusting the number, size, and position of holes at the container's bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single rotatable plate is used to disperse material, then the spread area can be increased, but skewing of the broadcast pattern occurs especially at larger angles
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotatable plate is divided into two separate rotatable plates that rotate in opposite directions. Each plate handles a portion of the material distribution, which eliminates the skewing effect that occurs with a single plate at larger spread angles. This segmentation allows each plate to operate within an optimal angular range while collectively covering a large spread area.
Solution Approach 2:
The two rotatable plates rotate in opposite directions (one clockwise, one counter-clockwise), creating an asymmetric rotation pattern. This asymmetric design compensates for the skewing that would occur with symmetric single-plate rotation, distributing material more uniformly across the broadcast pattern at various angles.
2Device complexity
If material flow is controlled by a single closure mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the control of material distribution over large areas is inefficient and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The single closure mechanism is segmented into two separate closure elements, each controlling material flow to one of the two rotatable plates. This allows independent control of material distribution to each plate, enabling precise adjustment of broadcast patterns across different areas. The segmented control system maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving distribution control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deflectors are used to control material distribution, then the spread pattern can be adjusted, but the structure becomes more complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using deflectors to redirect material after it leaves the container, the invention inverts the approach by controlling material flow at the source through closure elements. Material is directed to specific rotatable plates before discharge, eliminating the need for deflectors and their associated complexity and reliability issues.
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 solution achieves a more even and predictable material distribution, reducing overlap and saving time by allowing operators to control the flow direction and amount efficiently, suitable for applications like golf greens, where uniformity is crucial.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable plates turns as the spreader is driven forward, one rotates clockwise and the other counter clockwise
Implementation Method 2
the number of, size and position of the holes at the bottom of the container that substantially determines the spread pattern of the material
Data Source
AI summary
A manually driven spreader for particulate material has two rotatable plates. The dispersed material from the spreader has an even dispense pattern without unwanted skewing found in prior art spreaders. The spreader covers greater area compared with single plate spreaders. The spreader has features that allow an operator to adjust the ports of the container during operation and also blocking/unblocking the ports without having to let go of the grip of the handle used to push the spreader.