Movable Seedling Storage for Planting Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seedling planting machines are inefficient and complex, often harming seedlings during handling due to the need for multiple transfers and stationary storage systems, particularly affecting eucalyptus and sugar cane seedlings.

Innovation Solution

A seedling planting machine design that eliminates the need for stationary seedling storage by using a movable seedling storage system with holding elements that transfer seedlings along a storage track, allowing direct access to the planting mechanism without prior handling, utilizing toothed bars or plates and hydraulic or electric power for efficient seedling positioning and transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If stationary seedling storage is used, then seedlings can be stored in large quantities, but handling complexity increases and seedlings may be damaged during multiple transfers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseedling storage capacityVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the stationary seedling storage into a movable storage system that travels along a track. The storage unit moves dynamically to deliver seedlings directly to the planting position, eliminating the need for multiple transfers and complex handling mechanisms while maintaining large storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the seedling storage from its traditional stationary position and integrates it into a movable platform that travels along a track. This extraction allows the storage to be positioned optimally for each planting operation, reducing handling complexity and potential damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If multiple transfers are performed to move seedlings, then planting can be achieved, but seedling damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplanting capabilityVSAvoidseedling damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable storage system performs preliminary action by delivering seedlings directly to the planting position in advance, eliminating the need for multiple intermediate transfers. The seedlings are positioned optimally before planting occurs, reducing handling and potential damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If complex handling mechanisms are used, then seedlings can be transferred precisely, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseedling positioning precisionVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the seedling storage, positioning, and transfer functions into a single integrated movable platform. This combination eliminates the need for separate complex handling mechanisms while maintaining precise positioning capabilities through the simplified movement of the entire storage unit along the track.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces seedling handling, minimizes damage, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing seamless transfer of seedlings from storage to planting, specifically benefiting light seedlings like eucalyptus and sugar cane, with improved handling mechanisms that reduce the need for manual intervention and enhance planting precision.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing toothed bars or plates and hydraulic or electric power for efficient seedling positioning and transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Gear

Implementation Method 2

utilizing toothed bars or plates and hydraulic or electric power for efficient seedling positioning and transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic power: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3211985B1Planting seedlings
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 RISUTEC
  • EP3211985B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3211985B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3211985B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method in a seedling planting machine (1) and to a seedling planting machine (1), in which seedlings are extracted from a seedling storage (4) to be transferred to planting means (3) of the planting machine (1). In the method - the seedling storage (4) is held in its place on a storage track (6, 7) of the planting machine supported by first holding elements (21), for example, by a first toothed bar, - the seedling storage (4) is transferred on the storage track (6, 7) of the planting machine by moving second holding elements (22), for example a second toothed bar, in relation to the first holding elements (21) and to the storage track (6, 7) so that - the seedling storage (4) comes into contact with the second holding elements (22), - the seedling storage (4) is transferred to be supported by the second holding elements (22) and - the seedling storage (4) is transferred a transfer distance forwards on the storage track (6, 7), - the seedling storage (4) is transferred to be supported by the first holding elements (21), - the seedling storage (4) is detached from the second holding elements (22).