Pressurized Seed Metering Disc for Precision Sowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed distribution systems in precision seed drills face challenges in maintaining precise spacing and alignment of seeds due to high release height and varying seed sizes, leading to altered sowing precision.
Innovation Solution
A distribution box with a pressurized zone at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, extending to the seed ejection area and communicating via a drop tube, ensures clear seed release and maintains accuracy by repelling dust and minimizing gravity's influence during seed fall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If seeds are released from a height of about 50 cm above the ground, then the distribution unit structure is simplified, but the sowing accuracy is reduced due to gravity's influence on seeds of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by introducing pressurized air flow as an opposing force to counteract gravity's effect on seeds during their descent. The pressurized air creates an upward force that balances the gravitational pull, allowing seeds to fall accurately into the furrow despite the 50 cm drop height, thereby maintaining sowing accuracy while keeping the distribution unit structure simple.
2Manufacturing precision
If a perforated disc with suction is used for seed selection, then seed spacing is improved, but dust and airborne particles can enter the distribution unit and contaminate the seeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a pressurized air environment within the distribution unit, changing the pressure parameter from atmospheric to pressurized. This pressurized environment creates a pressure barrier that prevents dust and airborne particles from entering through the perforated disc and other openings, while the perforated disc continues to provide precise seed spacing through suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by maintaining a pressurized air atmosphere inside the distribution unit. This pressurized environment acts as a protective barrier, preventing harmful dust particles from contaminating the seeds during the seed selection and distribution process, while allowing the perforated disc to function effectively for spacing.
3Ease of operation
If the distribution unit is opened for maintenance and seed filling, then ease of operation is improved, but dust and particles can enter during the opening period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-pressurizing the distribution unit before opening it for maintenance. The pressurized state is established in advance, creating a protective barrier that remains active during the opening and maintenance operations, thereby preventing dust entry while allowing easy access for seed filling and maintenance tasks.
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
The solution ensures consistent seed spacing and alignment, improves sowing precision, and reduces the impact of gravity on seed distribution, while also keeping airborne particles out of the distribution box.
Implementation Method 1
a distribution unit (1) for extracting and distributing seeds one by one, comprising a pressurized zone (18) at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure or higher than the pressure outside the distribution unit (1)
Implementation Method 2
the pressurized zone (18) extends on the seed side into the portion (20) of the housing that prepares and ejects the seeds... the seed release is cleaner because the pressure difference at the air cut-off point is greater
Implementation Method 3
The seeds are held onto the perforated disc by suction for part of their path
Implementation Method 4
The seed is released about 50 cm from the bottom of the furrow. The seed is therefore subject to the effects of gravity during its fall into the furrow
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a distribution unit (1) for a precision seed drill comprising a disc (8) rotatably mounted on a rotating axis for seed selection assisted by a low-pressure airflow, the disc (8) separating the seeds from the airflow and having perforations (9) distributed on at least one circle located near or on its periphery. The distribution unit (1) is notable in that it comprises a pressurized zone (18) at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure or higher than the pressure outside the distribution unit (1). The present invention also relates to a precision seed drill comprising a seeding unit (2) having a distribution unit (1) according to the invention.