Rotating Conveyor Seed Tender for Modular Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed handling systems are limited in their ability to efficiently handle and distribute bulk seed of varying sizes and configurations, requiring powered lifts due to the weight and lack of flexibility in accommodating different seed containers, which complicates mechanized filling and refilling of large agricultural planters.
Innovation Solution
A trailer with a rotatable turret-mounted conveyor system that can move longitudinally along a guide track, allowing for the unloading of seed from containers of different sizes and configurations, and the ability to raise or lower the conveyor for increased flexibility and stability, enabling efficient seed distribution to various seed handling applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of seed container is used on the tender, then the handling system is simpler, but the adaptability to different seed varieties and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple types of seed containers (bulk bins, bagged seed, box seed) through a single unified mechanism. The conveyor can be positioned at different locations and configured to accommodate various container sizes and shapes, making the handling system adaptable to different seed varieties without requiring separate specialized equipment for each container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the conveyor to move to different locations along the tender and adjust its configuration based on the specific container being handled. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to accommodate varying container sizes and configurations while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple seed containers of different sizes are accommodated on the tender, then the seed storage capacity increases, but the difficulty of mechanizing seed distribution from various container locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tender is divided into multiple discrete container positions along its length, with each position capable of holding different types and sizes of seed containers. The conveyor system can be segmented into multiple sections or positioned at different locations to service each container position independently, allowing mechanized distribution from multiple locations without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor acts as an intermediary mechanism between the various seed containers positioned at different locations on the tender and the planter hopper. By positioning the conveyor at different locations along the tender, it serves as a flexible mediator that can draw seed from any container position and deliver it to the planter, simplifying the overall distribution architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the flexibility to accommodate different container positions and planters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to move to different locations along the tender and adjust its configuration based on the specific container being serviced. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to accommodate varying container positions and different planter configurations while maintaining structural efficiency.
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 system provides a flexible and efficient means to handle and distribute bulk seed, reducing the need for powered lifts and accommodating different container sizes, enhancing stability during transport and unloading, and allowing for use on various vehicles, thus improving seed handling efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A conveyor is mounted to the track by a turret rotatable about a vertical axis... the conveyor is capable of moving along the track to different unload positions
Implementation Method 2
unload seed under gravity from containers located above the conveyor inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer having support wheels and a frame adapted to be hitched to a truck, includes a support track extending longitudinally for supporting an unload conveyor. The conveyor is mounted by a turret to the support track and, thus, to the trailer frame, permitting the turret to move in a fore-to-aft direction, as well as to rotate about the vertical for about 180°, providing flexibility in use as well as transport and storage. A support module, carrying at least one storage container is mounted on the trailer frame. The storage containers may be provided in a number of different sizes and they may be arranged in various configurations suiting the user's needs. The turret is positioned along the track beneath a desired seed container, which may then be unloaded by the conveyor to fill a planter seed box or grain drill, or for other seed handling applications.