Modular Seed Drill Extension Frame for Granular Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed drill systems face challenges in cost-efficient production and operation due to complex designs and unfavorable center of gravity when equipped with additional distribution devices for granular materials, leading to increased tractive power requirements and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular seed drill system design where the extension frame carries a distribution device only when needed, allowing the seed distribution device to be coupled directly to the tractor or via an extension frame, with folding beams for transport and a screw conveyor for easy loading, optimizing the center of gravity and reducing variant complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base frame is designed to project in the direction of travel to accommodate a distribution device, then the seed drill can operate with additional granular material distribution, but the base frame becomes massive and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a base frame for seed distribution and an optional extension frame for granular material distribution. The extension frame with the distribution device can be attached or detached independently, allowing the base frame to remain simple and standardized while still providing versatility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension frame is designed to be movable and detachable, allowing the system to dynamically adapt between two configurations: operating as a simple seed drill with the base frame alone, or operating as a combined seed and granular material distributor with the extension frame attached. This dynamic reconfiguration eliminates the need for a permanently complex base frame design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base frame is designed to be massive to support a distribution device, then the seed drill can carry granular material, but the machine becomes harder to operate and requires more tractive power
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy distribution device is separated from the base frame and placed on the optional extension frame. This segmentation allows the base frame to remain lightweight and easy to operate when used alone, while the full capability to carry and distribute granular material is available when the extension frame is attached to provide additional support and reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational configuration by attaching or detaching the extension frame. When granular material distribution is needed, the extension frame is attached to provide the necessary support structure. When not needed, the extension frame is detached, leaving a lightweight, easy-to-operate base frame, thus avoiding the constant burden of a massive design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an extension frame is used to connect the seed drill to the tractor, then additional track eradicators can be arranged, but the sowing machine system becomes very expansive and the center of gravity becomes unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device is positioned laterally on the extension frame rather than extending the length of the system in the direction of travel. This dimensional change allows track eradicators to be arranged between the seed drill and tractor while keeping the overall length compact and the center of gravity favorable.
4Length of moving object
If the extension frame carries the distribution device, then the base frame can be designed to be particularly short, but the distribution device must be saddled on the extension frame and connected to soil cultivation tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into standardized interfaces: the extension frame has mounting points that match the three-point hitch system, and the distribution device has corresponding mounting points. This segmentation creates simple, modular connection points that reduce overall complexity despite the additional components required for the detachable configuration.
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 modular design simplifies production and assembly, reduces tractive power requirements, and maintains a stable center of gravity close to the tractor, enabling efficient and versatile seed distribution with improved soil incorporation of granular materials.
Implementation Method 1
a screw conveyor for easy loading
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Seed drill system comprising a seed distribution device (2), in particular a precision seed drill (2), with a base frame (3) formed by a central mounting bracket (3a) and a support beam arrangement (3b) extending transversely to the direction of travel (F) at least in the working position, which serves to attach tillage tools (5) and at least one distribution unit (4), and an extension frame (7) connectable to the mounting bracket (3a), wherein the seed distribution device (2) can be optionally coupled to the rear hydraulics (1a) of an agricultural tractor (1) via the mounting bracket (3a) or the extension frame (7), wherein the mounting bracket (3a) has a first set (6a) of mounting points for this purpose and the extension frame (7) can be arranged on the first set (6a) of mounting points and itself has a second set (7a) of mounting points.In order to create a simple seed drill system with a versatile seed distribution device (2), it is provided that the extension frame (7) carries a distribution device (8) mounted on the extension frame (7) for granular material, in particular fertilizer and/or seed, which, in the state of the extension frame (7) being connected to the mounting frame (3a), is connected to the soil cultivation tools (5) of the seed distribution device (2) in a way that allows the flow of bulk material.