Pneumatic Seed Conveying Deflection Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for conveying granular material, such as seeds, in agricultural seeding systems often require additional mechanical effort from agitators or fluidized beds to efficiently direct seeds into pneumatic conveying channels, which can lead to fouling and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of two deflection elements, designed as lugs with air outlet openings pointing along the longitudinal axis of the core tube, to deflect incoming air and improve the absorption of granular material into the pneumatic conveying channel, eliminating the need for additional stirring elements and fluidized beds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If agitators or fluidized beds are used to stir up seed in the intake area, then seed delivery efficiency is improved, but mechanical complexity and fouling risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stirring systems (agitators or fluidized beds) with a pneumatic system. Air is blown into the storage hopper through a pipe, creating a pneumatic flow that naturally agitates and directs seed into the core tube without mechanical moving parts. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining seed delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by introducing air flow into the storage hopper. The air stream creates turbulence and pressure differences that move seed particles into the conveying flow. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical agitation while reducing fouling risks associated with mechanical components.
2Productivity
If agitators or fluidized beds are used to stir up seed, then seed delivery efficiency is improved, but fouling and maintenance issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical agitators with a pneumatic air flow system, the patent eliminates mechanical components that are prone to fouling. The air stream naturally agitates seed without contact with mechanical surfaces, significantly reducing fouling and maintenance requirements while maintaining effective seed delivery.
3Device complexity
If air is blown into the storage hopper without deflection elements, then system simplicity is maintained, but air flow direction and seed absorption into the core tube are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces deflection elements (lugs with air outlet openings) at specific locations within the storage hopper. These localized features redirect air flow in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the core tube, creating focused zones of high-velocity air that effectively draw seed into the conveying stream without complicating the overall simple pneumatic system design.
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 enhances the pneumatic delivery of granular material by directing air flow effectively into the core tube, improving the ingestion of seeds and reducing mechanical effort and fouling issues, thereby increasing the efficiency of the conveying process.
Implementation Method 1
two deflection elements in order to deflect incoming air in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the core tube
Implementation Method 2
The core tube forms the first part of a pneumatic conveying channel that leads to the separate isolation housings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention comprises a device for conveying granular material to be spread on an agricultural area, comprising a storage container (1) for the granular material, a seeding device (5), and a pneumatic conveying channel (4) for pneumatically conveying granular material from the storage container (1) to the seeding device (5), wherein the pneumatic conveying channel (4) opens into the storage container (1) and is partially arranged inside the storage container (1), wherein the pneumatic conveying channel (4) inside the storage container (1) comprises a core tube (15) which is at least partially surrounded by a jacket tube (16), and wherein the device comprises at least one deflecting element (22, 23) which is designed such that air flowing between the core tube (15) and the jacket tube (16) in the direction of an opening (18) of the core tube (15) is deflected in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the core tube (15).