Modular Flow Splitter for Uniform Agricultural Product Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow splitters for agricultural products suffer from non-uniform distribution and are bulky, making them difficult to fold for transport, and require replacement of the entire unit if a single part is damaged.
Innovation Solution
A flow splitter design with a splitter body, internal grooves, and a divider system that divides the flow into multiple chambers, allowing for precise and uniform distribution, with a rib and groove arrangement to prevent rotation and facilitate easy installation and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional distribution headers are used to split agricultural product flow, then the flow can be distributed to multiple outlets, but the headers become bulky and difficult to fold for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The flow splitter is divided into multiple modular components: a body portion, a divider assembly with individual divider walls, and separate outlet assemblies. This segmentation allows the components to be compact when not in use and easily assembled/disassembled for transport, resolving the contradiction between functionality and foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider walls are received within recesses in the body portion, and outlet assemblies are integrated into the divider structure. This nested arrangement allows the flow splitter to achieve compact dimensions when folded or stored, reducing bulkiness while maintaining full functionality during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional flow splitters are used, then flow distribution is achieved, but the distribution is non-uniform across outlets
Solution Approach 1:
Each divider wall is configured with specific dimensions, angles, and positioning to create localized flow patterns. The outlet assemblies have individually adjusted openings and positioning to ensure uniform distribution across all outlets. This local optimization of geometry and configuration achieves uniform product distribution while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Ease of repair
If flow splitters are manufactured as single components, then manufacturing is simplified, but the entire unit must be replaced if a single part becomes worn or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The flow splitter is constructed from separable components including a body portion, removable divider walls, and outlet assemblies that can be independently replaced. This modular design allows individual worn or damaged parts to be replaced without replacing the entire unit, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through standardized connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow splitter for distributing agricultural products includes a splitter body extending between upstream and downstream ends and defining an inlet port and two or more outlet ports. The splitter body includes an inner flow surface defining an interior flow volume and two or more internal grooves extending radially outwardly from the inner flow surface. A divider of the flow splitter extends within the splitter body along a central axis and includes two or more divider walls extending radially outwardly from the central axis to a distal end positioned adjacent to the inner flow surface. The divider divides at least a portion of the interior flow volume into a plurality of internal flow chambers, each being aligned with a respective outlet port. A rib extends radially outwardly from the distal end of each respective divider wall such that each rib is received within a respective internal groove.