Pneumatic Distributor Limiting Devices for Tramline Material Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic distribution machines face challenges in precisely controlling the distribution of material along tramlines, leading to oversupply or undersupply, especially in areas where no cultivation is necessary, resulting in inefficiencies and environmental concerns due to excessive material usage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of limiting devices on distribution elements, which can be adjusted based on parameters like lane width, tire width, and material properties, to narrow the distribution width and reduce the mass flow of material in areas where no distribution is needed, such as tramlines, thereby minimizing material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the distribution width is not narrowed in lane areas, then the distribution machine operates with full distribution capacity, but material oversupply occurs in areas where no cultivation is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial distribution quantityVSAvoidexcessive material usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the distribution width adjustable in specific local areas (lane regions) while maintaining full distribution width in cultivated areas. The limiting devices are positioned to affect only the distribution pattern in lane areas, creating different distribution characteristics in different spatial locations without requiring a complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the limiting devices adjustable and movable, allowing the distribution width to be changed dynamically based on operational requirements. The limiting devices can be positioned at different distances from the distribution element, enabling real-time adjustment of the distribution pattern to match varying field conditions and lane configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of substance

If limiting devices are added to narrow distribution width, then material oversupply in lane areas is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial waste reductionVSAvoiddistribution machine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the distribution system into multiple independent limiting devices, each associated with a specific distribution element. This modular approach allows individual limiting devices to be adjusted or removed without affecting the entire system, simplifying maintenance and adaptation while achieving precise local control over material distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting devices serve multiple functions: they narrow the distribution width to prevent oversupply in lane areas, they can be adjusted to accommodate different lane widths and configurations, and they can be positioned at various distances to create different distribution patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the distribution width is narrowed using limiting devices, then material distribution precision in lane areas improves, but the adjustment complexity based on multiple parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-established adjustment mechanisms that allow the limiting devices to be quickly positioned at predetermined distances from the distribution elements. The adjustment mechanisms are designed to accommodate standard lane width configurations, enabling operators to make rapid adjustments without complex calculations or custom positioning for each field condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution allows for a 3-5% reduction in material distribution along tramlines, ensuring even supply to cultivated areas while avoiding oversupply or undersupply, thus optimizing material usage and adhering to environmental regulations.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of transfer chambers arranged downstream of a respective axial section of the dosing roller... connected to at least one blower... to pneumatically transfer the distribution material dosed by a respective axial section of the dosing roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic transport: Two-Phase Flow

Implementation Method 2

the material to be spread is conveyed pneumatically via the conveying lines, which are deflected outwards, to the end where the material to be spread is transferred to the corresponding distribution devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic transport: Two-Phase Flow

Implementation Method 3

the distribution material dosed by means of the at least one dosing element is distributed on the floor by means of the distribution elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3409090B1Pneumatic distributor and method for delivery of distributed goods with the same
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 RAUCH LANDMASCHINENFABRIK GMBH
  • EP3409090B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3409090B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3409090B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A pneumatic distribution machine and a method for distributing material using the same are proposed. The distribution machine comprises a metering element (100, 200) with a metering roller (101, 201) for metering the material to be distributed, as well as a plurality of transfer chambers downstream of each axial section of the metering roller (101, 201). These transfer chambers are connected on one side to a blower (28, 29) and on the other side each open into a conveying line (37) to pneumatically transfer the material metered by each axial section of the metering roller (101, 201) to a distribution element in the form of impact plates or discs, which are arranged at a lateral distance from the longitudinal axis of the distribution machine. In order to save on the amount of material being distributed, the invention provides that when moving the same along driving lanes during the distribution work onto the driving lanes, at least in the area of ​​the driving tracks of the distribution machine ora reduced distribution quantity of material is applied to a tractor carrying it, in which case a reduced distribution quantity compared to the target distribution quantity is applied, wherein a limiting device (63) is assigned to the distribution elements in whose distribution width a lane or a section of a lane is located, which is designed to narrow the distribution width of the respective distribution element by the width of the lane or its section.