S-Shaped Deflection Bend for Uniform Seed Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatically operating distribution machines face challenges in achieving uniform seed distribution to the dispersing tube and distributor due to the complexity and cost of producing special deflection bends with non-standard cross-sections and curvature designs.

Innovation Solution

The use of conventional arcs of curvature joined to form an S-shaped deflection bend with a round cross-section, allowing for simple and inexpensive manufacturing, and ensuring a uniform seed distribution by maintaining a consistent radius-diameter ratio and curvature throughout the deflection arc.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a flat pipe bend deflection bend is used to achieve better seed distribution, then seed distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to special production requirements and separate transition pieces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseed distribution uniformityVSAvoiddeflection bend structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection bend is divided into multiple conventional arc segments (first arc of curvature and second arc of curvature) with different curvature directions. This segmentation allows each segment to be manufactured using standard components while collectively achieving the desired S-shaped configuration that improves seed distribution without requiring special custom bends.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs curved arcs of curvature instead of flat pipe bends. The first arc has a first radius of curvature and the second arc has a second radius of curvature, creating an S-shaped deflection that gently guides the air flow and seeds through the transition from horizontal to vertical conveyance, improving distribution uniformity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional arcs of curvature are used to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing cost decreases, but seed distribution uniformity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflection bend productionVSAvoidseed distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the deflection bend have different local characteristics - the first arc of curvature has a first radius of curvature optimized for initial deflection, while the second arc has a second radius of curvature optimized for final alignment. This local differentiation ensures that each segment contributes optimally to seed distribution while all segments can be manufactured using conventional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the curvature parameter between the two arcs - the first arc has a different radius of curvature than the second arc. This parameter variation allows optimization of seed distribution at different stages of the deflection while maintaining the ability to manufacture each arc using standard conventional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the deflection bend has varying radius of curvature to optimize seed distribution, then seed distribution improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseed distribution uniformityVSAvoiddeflection bend production
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection bend is segmented into distinct arcs with different curvature radii - a first arc of curvature with a first radius and a second arc of curvature with a second radius. This segmentation allows each arc to be optimized for its specific function while both can be manufactured using conventional components and joining methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The S-shaped configuration is achieved through multiple curved arcs rather than a single complex curve. The first arc and second arc, with their different radii of curvature, work together to create the optimal seed distribution pattern while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of conventional curved components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration results in an even distribution of seeds in the air flow to the distributor and individual application organs, enhancing the overall efficiency and simplicity of the delivery line design.

Implementation Method 1

the conveying line (4), pneumatically acted upon by the driven blower (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

deflection bend (5) arranged between the horizontal area (8) of the conveying line (4) and the vertically rising area (9) of the conveying line (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow deflection: Flow Separation

Implementation Method 3

vertically rising area (9) of the delivery line (4) has an area which is designed as a wave-shaped diffusion tube (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2257149B1Pneumatically functioning dispersing machine
Publication Date: 2012.09.19 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2257149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2257149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2257149B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pneumatically functioning dispersing machine for dispersing seeds or fertilizer, having a hopper reservoir (1) for the dispersal material, a metering organ (2) connected thereto, a disperser (6) connected to the metering organ by means of a pneumatic feed line (4), lines leading from the disperser to individual output organs, wherein the pneumatic feed line describes at least one change in direction after at least one diverter elbow (5, 14, 17) and leads substantially vertically to the disperser, wherein at least the last area of the pneumatic feed line located before the diverter elbow is disposed at least approximately horizontally, wherein the vertically rising area of the feed line between the diverter elbow and the disperser is at least partially formed of an undulated dispersing tube. In order to achieve good and uniform feeding and dispersal of the dispersal material in the air stream to the dispersing tube by simple means and simple design of the diverter elbow, according to the invention, the diverter elbow comprises a first elbow curve in the direction of feed having an angle of greater than 90°, preferably 110° to 135°, and a further elbow curve of the diverter elbow having reversed curvature is connected to the first elbow curve, extending over the curve angle dimension of the first elbow curve extending beyond 90°.