Multilayer Fertilizer Delivery System with Vertical Outlet Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for introducing liquid manure containing solids into soil either result in high odor and ammonia emissions, require additional processing steps, or lead to uneven nutrient distribution, causing inefficiencies and maintenance issues due to clogging and blockages in distribution systems.

Innovation Solution

A device with multiple sets of outlet openings at different vertical heights, connected to corresponding discharge openings, allows for the distribution of liquid manure containing solids as parallel strands at varying depths, avoiding cross-sectional constrictions and promoting uniform nutrient distribution without clogging, using a cutting device to comminute solids and prevent blockages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If solid-containing slurry is sprayed above the soil surface using a distribution device, then the manure can be discharged through a relatively large opening with low risk of blockages and achieves favorable distribution near the surface, but significant odor and ammonia emissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge capabilityVSAvoidodor and ammonia emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device is divided into multiple outlet openings (first outlet openings and second outlet openings) arranged at different vertical heights. The slurry is distributed through these segmented outlets to multiple discharge openings, creating multiple parallel strands that are incorporated into the soil. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the ease of discharge through multiple openings while reducing emissions by incorporating the slurry into the soil rather than spraying it on the surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If liquid manure is spread over the cultivated area and subsequently incorporated into the soil, then low-odor and low-ammonia-emission incorporation is achieved, but at least two passes over the cultivated area are required, resulting in additional labor, fuel consumption, and material wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor and ammonia emissionsVSAvoidnumber of passes required
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device combines multiple outlet openings at different vertical heights into a single integrated system. The first outlet openings discharge slurry at a higher vertical position while the second outlet openings discharge at a lower vertical position. Both are connected to corresponding discharge openings that incorporate the slurry into the soil simultaneously in one pass, eliminating the need for separate spreading and incorporation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If solid-containing slurry is applied through several small openings in multiple tines, then virtually emission-free application is achieved, but the very localized distribution results in unfavorable nutrient distribution across the soil surface

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveemissionsVSAvoidnutrient distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device utilizes vertical height as an additional dimension by arranging first outlet openings at a higher vertical position and second outlet openings at a lower vertical position. This vertical dimensionality creates multiple parallel strands at different depths, improving nutrient distribution uniformity across the soil profile while maintaining emission-free application through direct soil incorporation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Manufacturing precision

If solid-containing slurry is distributed from a large opening into several smaller openings, then a finer distribution is achieved, but the sub-distribution regularly leads to blockages due to solids of varying sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution finenessVSAvoidblockage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device changes the parameter of outlet opening size by providing both first outlet openings and second outlet openings with different cross-sectional areas. This parameter variation allows the system to distribute slurry through multiple openings of appropriate sizes for the solid content, achieving finer distribution while minimizing blockage risk by not forcing all slurry through uniformly small openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces emissions, eliminates the need for additional processing, and ensures a more uniform and efficient nutrient distribution, maintaining profitability and reducing maintenance costs by preventing blockages and ensuring reliable discharge.

Implementation Method 1

using a cutting device to comminute solids and prevent blockages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical comminution: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

A device with multiple sets of outlet openings at different vertical heights, connected to corresponding discharge openings, allows for the distribution of liquid manure containing solids as parallel strands at varying depths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through gravity and pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

introducing a solid-containing slurry depot into a layer of soil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfiltration: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP2910100B1Delivery system for multilayer fertilizer application
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 HUGO VOGELSANG MASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP2910100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2910100B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP2910100B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for introducing a solid-containing liquid manure depot into a layer of soil, comprising an introduction device with a set of first and second discharge openings (63, 64) which are vertically spaced apart from each other in the working position of the introduction device, a distribution device (20) comprising a distribution chamber (122), an inlet opening (21) opening therein for supplying liquid manure, a first and a second set of several first and second outlet openings (23, 24) for draining the solid-containing liquid manure from the distribution chamber (122), a first and a second set of several first and second connecting lines (53, 54), wherein each first and each second connecting line (53, 54) extends from a line beginning to a line end, is connected at its line beginning to a first and second outlet opening (23, 24) and at its line end to a first and second outlet opening (24).second dispensing opening (63, 64) is connected to the set of first or second dispensing openings (63, 64).