Rotary Flow Divider for Seeding Row Spacing Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural product distribution systems require time-consuming and labor-intensive processes to adjust row spacing, as manually installing or reconfiguring caps and gates to block product flow to ground engaging tools increases operational duration and costs.

Innovation Solution

A rotary flow divider assembly with a selectively rotatable valve that controls product flow between multiple outlet passages, allowing for precise control of row spacing by facilitating or blocking product flow to specific ground engaging tools, utilizing an actuator and controller for automated adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If caps are manually installed on alternating secondary distribution lines to block product flow, then row spacing can be adjusted, but the process is time-consuming and increases operational duration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverow spacing adjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static caps with a dynamic rotary valve assembly that can automatically switch between different row spacing configurations. The rotary valve rotates to different positions to selectively block or open product flow paths, enabling quick adaptation from fixed 15-inch spacing to alternating tool activation without manual cap installation or removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of installing and removing caps with an automated rotary valve mechanism. The valve assembly uses rotational movement to control product flow distribution, substituting labor-intensive manual operations with an automated mechanical system that can be controlled from the tractor cab.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If gates are reconfigured to selectively block product flow, then row spacing can be adjusted, but the process is labor-intensive and increases costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct flow control flexibilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary valve assembly serves multiple functions: it can provide full product flow to both secondary lines, block flow to one line, or direct flow selectively to either line. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple separate gate mechanisms, simplifying operation while maintaining flexibility in product flow control for different row spacing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary valve assembly is designed to be self-regulating through its rotational positions, automatically controlling product flow distribution without requiring complex manual gate adjustments. The valve's geometry and positioning enable it to self-direct product flow based on its rotational state, reducing the operational complexity of flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple gates are used to control product flow to each secondary distribution line, then flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct flow control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple gate functions into a single rotary valve assembly. Instead of having separate gates for each secondary distribution line, the rotary valve combines flow control for both lines into one integrated component. The valve's rotational positions inherently control flow to both lines simultaneously, reducing the total number of components while maintaining comprehensive flow control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary valve assembly is segmented into distinct rotational positions, each corresponding to a specific flow control configuration. The valve body is divided into flow paths that can be selectively activated or blocked based on rotation angle, allowing complex flow control functionality to be achieved through simple positional segmentation rather than multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9686907B2Rotary flow divider assembly for agricultural product distribution system

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A rotary flow divider assembly is provided that includes a housing having an inlet passage configured to receive agricultural product, a first outlet passage configured to discharge the agricultural product, and a second outlet passage configured to discharge the agricultural product. The rotary flow divider assembly also includes a rotary valve selectively rotatable between a first position that facilitates flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the first and second outlet passages, a second position that facilitates flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the first outlet passage, and substantially blocks flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the second outlet passage, and a third position that facilitates flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the second outlet passage, and substantially blocks flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the first outlet passage.