Metering System Movable Gates Seed Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Volumetric seed meters with pneumatic distribution systems face challenges in quickly stopping seed flow, mixing of products, and returning redirected product to pressurized tanks, which are not addressed by existing solutions like slidable gates positioned before the meter roller.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of movable gates positioned axially along the meter roller downstream from the meter roller but before the distribution system, allowing for quicker shut-off of product flow and preventing mixing with the air stream or needing to return product to a pressurized tank, by using actuators to move the gates between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If slidable gates are positioned between the product storage tank and the meter roller, then product flow can be shut-off, but product continues to flow until the meter is emptied causing long delay
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is positioned to close the outlet passage before the meter roller completes its rotation, preventing product from entering the distribution system in advance. This preliminary action stops product flow immediately when the gate closes, rather than allowing the meter to empty first, thereby eliminating the long delay in stopping seed flow at the discharge point
Solution Approach 2:
The gate mechanism is extracted from the traditional position between tank and meter, and placed specifically at the outlet passage of the meter housing. This repositioning extracts the flow control function from the upstream location to the downstream location, enabling immediate shut-off of product flow to the distribution system without affecting product feeding to the meter roller
2Productivity
If multiple products are mixed within the airstream, then distribution is simplified, but stopping flow requires separation of mixed products
Solution Approach 1:
The meter roller is divided into multiple independent roller segments, each with its own outlet passage and gate. This segmentation allows individual control of product flow from each segment, enabling selective shut-off of specific product streams before they enter the distribution system, thereby preventing mixing of multiple products and eliminating the need for complex separation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The gate acts as an intermediary element positioned at the outlet passage of each roller segment. This intermediary controls whether product from each segment enters the distribution system or is diverted back to the tank, preventing mixed products from entering the airstream in the first place, thus avoiding the need for downstream separation mechanisms
3Productivity
If product tanks are pressurized during operation, then product flow is maintained, but redirected product cannot be easily returned to the tank
Solution Approach 1:
When the gate closes to shut-off product flow, the product that would have entered the distribution system is instead redirected through the auger back to the product tank. This self-service mechanism automatically handles the return of redirected product to the pressurized tank using the existing auger system, eliminating the need for additional complex return mechanisms and maintaining simplicity in operation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A volumetric metering system (20) for a seeding machine (10) is provided with movable gates (100, 200) disposed downstream from the meter roller (78, 178) but before the product enters a distribution system (22) to selectively stop the flow of product through sections of the metering system (20). By placing the shut-off gate (100, 200) after the meter (20) but before product enters the distribution system (22), there will not be a delay in stoppage of product flow while the meter (20) empties of product. Furthermore, by locating the gate (100, 200) before the distribution system (22), the metered product is not mixed with the air stream or with additional products, causing a need for product redirection into a pressurized tank or separation of multiple products.