Precision Super Seeder with Interchangeable Roller and Disc Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seeders lack versatility, requiring different machines for specific turf conditioning and seed depth applications, and face challenges in calibration due to non-removable calibration trays and seed wastage during calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
A seeder that can interchangeably use a roller assembly or disc blade assembly, with a removable calibration tray of reduced width to minimize seed usage, and the ability to distribute seeds from multiple boxes at various depths, allowing for customizable turf conditioning and seed placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a seeder uses a fixed-width calibration tray, then calibration can be performed, but seed wastage increases due to the tray's full width
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration tray is segmented into a full-width tray and a removable reduced-width portion. During calibration, only the reduced-width portion is used, allowing calibration to be performed on a smaller area that consumes less seed. The removable portion can be detached and stored, while the full-width tray remains for operational use.
Solution Approach 2:
The reduced-width calibration portion is extracted as a separate removable component from the full calibration tray. This extracted portion is specifically designed for calibration operations, separating the calibration function from the full-width operational tray to minimize seed usage during calibration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate machines are used for turf conditioning and seed distribution, then each function is optimized, but device complexity and versatility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The seeder is designed with universal functionality to perform both turf conditioning and seed distribution operations. The machine can be configured with different tool assemblies (e.g., disc blades for conditioning, seed meters for distribution) that can be attached to the same chassis, eliminating the need for separate specialized machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The seeder employs dynamic, interchangeable tool assemblies that can be attached or detached based on operational needs. The tool bar and associated mechanisms are designed to accommodate different tool types, allowing the machine to adapt its function dynamically rather than being fixed to a single purpose.
3Measurement precision
If a full-width calibration tray is used, then calibration covers the entire seeder width, but seed consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration function is segmented into a reduced-width portion that can be removed from the full-width tray. This segmentation allows calibration to be performed on a smaller, controlled area that provides sufficient accuracy for calibration purposes while consuming significantly less seed than calibrating across the full tray width.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of calibrating across the full width of the tray, the invention uses partial action by limiting calibration to a reduced-width portion. This partial calibration area is sufficient to achieve the necessary calibration accuracy without the excessive seed consumption that would result from calibrating the entire tray width.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a seeder may include a frame including a seed box and a rear roller. In embodiments, the seeder may be configured to removably couple with either a roller assembly or a disc blade assembly. In some embodiments, the seeder may include a front tray configured to receive two kinds of seed from two different seed boxes and disperse the seed at a position in front of the rear roller so that the seeds are planted at the same depth. In some embodiments, the seeder may further include a calibration tray which may have a width less than a width of the seeder. The calibration tray may be configured to receive seed from the seed box during a calibration procedure.