Planter Diverter Mechanism for Mixed Seed Planting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current planters face inefficiencies in planting multiple types of seeds in fields, as they often require separate storage units for tested seeds and filler seeds, leading to space wastage and potential contamination, and involve complex operations for switching between different seed types during planting.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates dual seed storage units and a diverter mechanism that allows seeds from both storage units to be delivered to a seed meter for planting, enabling seamless switching and direct delivery to planting tubes, facilitating efficient planting of mixed plots and reducing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate storage units are used for tested seeds and filler seeds, then contamination between seed types is prevented, but space wastage occurs and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed type separationVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple seed storage functions into a single storage unit by using a diverter mechanism that can redirect seeds from different sources (tested seeds and filler seeds) to the same storage unit, eliminating the need for separate storage units and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining seed type separation through controlled flow paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate storage units are used for tested seeds and filler seeds, then contamination between seed types is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed type separationVSAvoidstorage system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single storage unit is designed to serve multiple functions by receiving different seed types through a diverter mechanism, allowing the same storage unit to handle both tested seeds and filler seeds at different times or in different configurations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to prevent contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex operations are performed for switching between different seed types, then precise seed placement is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed placement precisionVSAvoidplanting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The diverter mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing operators to switch between different seed types and flow paths quickly and easily during the planting operation, thereby maintaining precise seed placement while minimizing the time required for switching and maximizing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11805724B2Planters for planting seeds in fields, and related methods of planting

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A planter comprises an automated planting unit for planting plots of seeds in a field. The planting unit includes a first seed storage unit configured to provide seeds to the planting unit and a second seed storage unit configured to provide seeds to the planting unit. The planting unit also includes a seed meter configured to plant seeds from the first seed storage unit and the second seed storage unit in a field, and a diverter unit coupled to the first and second seed storage units and to the seed meter. The diverter, then, is configured to selectively direct seeds from either the first seed storage unit or the second seed storage unit to the seed meter, whereby the seeds from the first and second seed storage units may be planted separately or together (e.g., for mixed planting, etc.).