Pneumatic Seed Drill Distributor with Segmented Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic seed drill distributors fail to achieve even seed distribution across all coulters, especially when creating tramlines, leading to inefficiencies and quality losses due to uneven seed distribution and altered flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A movable distribution segment with a ring body design featuring multiple distribution levels and through-openings, adjustable via an automatic device, ensures consistent seed delivery to all coulters, adapting to different tramline widths and track configurations without additional lines or returns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If outlets are blocked when creating tramlines, then seed diversion is achieved, but flow conditions deteriorate and distribution accuracy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is segmented into multiple outlets, each with independent control capability. The deflector can selectively block individual outlets while leaving others open, allowing precise control over which coulters receive seed during tramline creation without affecting overall flow conditions in the distributor.
Solution Approach 2:
A deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the distributor outlets and the coulters. This deflector selectively redirects seed flow to specific outlets while blocking others, enabling tramline creation without disrupting the balanced flow conditions within the distributor itself.
2Ease of operation
If seed is diverted and returned to storage tank, then dosing device adjustment is avoided, but technical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex seed return system from the distributor. Instead of diverting seed back to the storage tank, the deflector directly blocks selected outlets, allowing seed to be distributed only to the required coulters without requiring return lines or additional technical infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If seed is fed back into distributor, then theoretical distribution accuracy is maintained, but practical distribution evenness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is positioned to block selected outlets before the seed reaches them, preventing the need to feed seed back into the distributor. This preliminary blocking action ensures that seed flows directly to the intended outlets with even distribution, eliminating the practical distribution problems caused by feedback loops.
4Manufacturing precision
If air turbulence is used for seed distribution, then seed reaches distributor evenly, but seed outlets in lee of air flow are poorly covered
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector provides localized control over each outlet, allowing seed to be directed precisely to specific outlets while blocking others. This local quality approach ensures that each outlet receives appropriate seed flow based on its position and the tramline configuration, overcoming the uneven coverage problem caused by air turbulence alone.
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
Ensures optimal and even seed distribution across all selected coulters, maintaining seed quality and yield by adjusting the distribution segment to match changing conditions, such as tramline creation, without requiring complex adjustments or high technical effort.
Implementation Method 1
The seed is fed into the distributor, distributed to all selected outlets and fed directly to the seed coulters via the seed feed lines
Implementation Method 2
The air turbulence alone is the reason that seed also gets into the seed outlets for the seed coulters, which should not be supplied with seed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The distributor (2) has seed lines connected to outlets (3). Two movable distribution segments include an annular body with distribution planes. Passage holes of the planes are arranged at a distance to each other and uniformly distributed in each of the planes in an inlet area for seeds. The number of the passage holes of one of the planes is equal to the number of seed outlets and/or sowing coulters and is smaller than the number of the passage holes of the other plane, where seeds are not supplied on a tramline by the seed outlets and the coulters. An independent claim is also included for a pneumatic drilling machine including a device management system.