Metering Apparatus Selective Sectional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metering apparatuses for agricultural products lack fine sectional control, leading to inefficiencies in distribution, waste, and the inability to simultaneously distribute different types of products, due to complex clutching mechanisms and limited control over product flow.
Innovation Solution
A metering apparatus with a rotatable metering element and a stopping mechanism, such as a reversibly inflatable seal or disengagement structure, allows for selective control of product delivery to individual sections of the distribution system, enabling precise control over where and when agricultural products are applied, including the ability to distribute multiple products simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single auger hoppers are used to distribute agricultural product, then product distribution is simplified, but fine sectional control is impossible and product waste occurs on already serviced areas
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is divided into multiple independent sections, each with its own metering element that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows selective shutdown of specific sections to prevent product waste on already serviced areas while maintaining distribution in other sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering elements are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing operators to adjust or shut off individual sections in real-time based on the implement's position over already serviced soil. This dynamic control enables responsive prevention of product waste.
2Ease of operation
If complex clutching mechanisms are used for sectional control, then selective shutdown capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex clutching mechanisms are extracted and replaced with simpler metering elements that can be individually controlled. Each metering element is a self-contained unit that can be independently shut off without requiring complex clutching systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sectional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical clutching systems are replaced with alternative control mechanisms for the metering elements, such as pneumatic or electronic controls, which simplify the mechanical complexity while achieving the same sectional shutdown functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single large bins with single augers are used, then distribution system is simplified, but ability to distribute multiple products simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is segmented into multiple independent metering elements that can handle different agricultural products simultaneously. Each metering element can be configured for a specific product type, allowing the implement to distribute multiple products at the same time while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering elements are designed with universal functionality to handle various types of agricultural products. Each metering element can be adjusted or configured to work with different product characteristics, enabling the system to distribute multiple product types simultaneously without requiring entirely separate systems for each product.
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
This solution provides improved control over agricultural product distribution, reducing waste and ensuring accurate application patterns by allowing selective shutdown of product flow to specific areas and simultaneous distribution of different products, enhancing operational efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
stopping means comprising a reversibly inflatable seal between the metering element and an outlet to the distribution line
Data Source
AI summary
A metering apparatus for distributing an agricultural product in a field has a meterbox configured for association with a hopper for receiving agricultural product from the hopper. A rotatable metering element is disposed within a chamber in the meterbox, and the rotating metering element is configured to deliver the agricultural product at a regulated rate from the hopper through the chamber to a product distribution line. Delivery of the agricultural product to the product distribution line may be selectively stopped by a disengagement structure for disengaging the agricultural product from the meter roller while the meter roller continues to rotate. The disengagement structure may comprise the meter roller moveable between a lowered product engaging position and a raised product disengaging position.