Pivotable Disk Fertilizer Applicator for Seed Bed Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilizer applying apparatuses often fracture the soil adjacent to the seed row, causing distortion of the seed bed and affecting crop emergence and yield, as they lack the necessary flexibility to apply fertilizer at precise depths and lateral distances without disturbing the soil.
Innovation Solution
A fertilizer applying apparatus with a frame structure and pivotable disk assembly that forms an asymmetrical V-shaped opening in the ground, allowing for adjustable fertilizer placement relative to the seed row, minimizing soil fracturing and enabling precise application of fertilizer at various depths and lateral positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fertilizer is applied close to the seed row to benefit the seed, then nutrient availability is improved, but the seed may be burned by the fertilizer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different placement strategies for different types of fertilizer relative to the seed row. Popular fertilizer is placed in a V-shaped opening formed by disks at a lateral distance of about 2-4 inches from the seed row, while anhydrous ammonia is injected through a tube at a controlled depth and lateral position. This localized differentiation of fertilizer placement quality resolves the contradiction by optimizing nutrient delivery while preventing seed burning through appropriate spacing.
2Manufacturing precision
If fertilizer is applied at a fixed lateral distance from the seed row, then application consistency is improved, but flexibility to adapt to different crops and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable mechanisms that allow the lateral distance and depth of fertilizer application to be dynamically changed based on crop requirements and field conditions. The disk assembly and injection tube positioning can be adjusted to vary the lateral offset from the seed row and the depth of placement, providing both consistency in execution and flexibility in adaptation to different agricultural scenarios.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fertilizer applying apparatus operates behind the seed planter, then fertilizer can be applied at the correct lateral distance, but the soil may be fractured and the seed bed distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fertilizer applying apparatus to operate simultaneously with or just ahead of the seed planter, allowing the fertilizer placement to be prepared in advance or concurrently with seed placement. The disks form the V-shaped opening and place the fertilizer before the seed is deposited into the same soil profile, preventing subsequent soil fracturing and seed bed distortion that would occur if fertilizer were applied afterward.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple disks are used to form the V-shaped opening, then precise depth control is achieved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetrical arrangement of disks where one disk is positioned to form the primary V-shaped opening at the desired depth, while the other disk provides support and maintains the opening shape. This asymmetrical configuration achieves precise depth control for fertilizer placement while minimizing the number of disks required, thereby reducing apparatus complexity compared to symmetrical multi-disk arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter the apparatus comprising a frame mounted to the planter, and having at least one mount structure extending from a forward end of the frame, a disk structure mounted to each of the mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple forwardly located pivot points on the mount structure, the disk structure being horizontally pivotably attached to the mount structure at one of the pivot points, the disks forming a V shaped opening in the ground during forward movement, a fertilizer applying structure mounted to the apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the V shaped opening, wherein each of the multiple pivot points delivers fertilizer into the V shaped opening at predetermined lateral distances from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter.