Rotary Particle Singulation Duct Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed sorting technologies, such as those using compressed air or waterfall methods, are inefficient, inaccurate, and energy-intensive for singulating and sorting seeds based on quality parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a rotary body with ducts that accelerate particles from an inner end to an outer end, aligning them in a row, allowing for precise singulation and alignment of particles for further processing or sorting based on measured parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compressed air is used to eject kernels, then the ejection can be performed, but the system is inaccurate, has a slow response rate, and is not energy efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic compressed air ejection system with an electromagnetic voice coil actuator. The voice coil generates electromagnetic force to move the ejector, eliminating the need for compressed air infrastructure. This substitution improves energy efficiency by using only the necessary electromagnetic energy for ejection while maintaining accuracy through precise electromagnetic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable voice coil actuator that can respond rapidly to control signals. The electromagnetic actuator provides dynamic control of the ejector position and timing, enabling fast response rates and precise ejection moments adaptable to different kernel positions and qualities in the stream.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rotary body with ducts is used to accelerate and align particles, then singulation accuracy and alignment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the particle processing system into multiple functional segments: the rotary body with radially arranged ducts for acceleration and alignment, a detection system for quality assessment, and an ejection system for separation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system modularity and manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear particle flow to radial motion around a rotating axis. The ducts are arranged radially outward from the rotation axis, utilizing the rotational dimension to achieve simultaneous acceleration and alignment of particles in a compact configuration, reducing the need for lengthy linear processing paths.
3Productivity
If particles are accelerated through ducts in a rotary body, then throughput and separation efficiency are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic rotation of the body to process particles continuously. The radial ducts are positioned at different angular locations, and the rotation creates periodic acceleration phases as particles move through the ducts. This periodic motion enables high throughput by continuously presenting particles to the detection and ejection systems without requiring continuous high-energy acceleration.
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 method enhances the separation and alignment of particles, enabling more accurate detection and sorting, while also improving energy efficiency and throughput compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the inner end being arranged in an array adjacent the axis so that the supply conduit acts to deposit the particles at the inner end of said at least one duct for entry of the particles into the inner low velocity end and for separation of the stream of particles in the conduit into separate ones of said at least one duct
Implementation Method 2
said at least one duct being shaped and arranged so that the particles are accelerated as they pass from the inner end to the outer end so as to cause the particles separated into said at least one duct to be aligned one after another in a row in the duct as they move toward the outer end
Data Source
AI summary
Particles are sorted into paths based on a measurable parameter by forming them into a stream in at least one duct carried on a body rotating around an axis where the duct is shaped so that the particles are accelerated to cause the particles separated into the duct to be aligned one after another in a row in the duct. The parameter of the particles are measured in the aligned stream one after the other and the particles are directed into one of a plurality of paths as determined by the measurement. In one arrangement the body comprises a disk member having a front face facing a supply conduit and the duct lies in a radial plane of the disk member. In one arrangement the measurement of the parameter is carried out by one or more measurement devices either carried on the disk or outside the edge of the disk.