Seed Cart Auger System for Bulk Bag Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seed carts are not well-suited for handling and transporting bulk seed containers, as they are either too small, too heavy, or impractical for field operations, requiring specialized equipment for loading and unloading, which poses safety risks and inefficiencies in seed delivery to agricultural planters.

Innovation Solution

A seed cart designed to support multiple bulk seed containers with an integrated auger system for efficient seed conveyance, featuring a sturdy frame with weigh bars, container support shields, and a two-section auger tube that can be easily transported and positioned for operation, allowing for seamless seed transfer to agricultural planters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional bin type grain carts are used to transport bulk seed containers, then seed can be transported to planters, but the heavy bulk bags cannot be loaded without a fork lift or crane, making field operation impractical or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield operabilityVSAvoidbulk bag weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bulk seed container is divided into two parts: a removable bulk bag and a reusable container. The bulk bag can be detached and replaced without moving the entire container, allowing lightweight replacement of seed material while keeping the heavy container structure in place on the cart.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A container interface mechanism serves as an intermediary between the bulk bag and the cart frame. This interface allows the bulk bag to be easily attached and detached from the container, facilitating quick replacement without requiring heavy lifting equipment in the field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If bulk seed containers are unloaded by dumping into the seed cart bin, then seed can be transferred, but the process ranges from difficult to impossible depending on circumstances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed transfer efficiencyVSAvoidunloading difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual dumping process is replaced with an auger conveyor system that mechanically transfers seed from the bulk bag to the cart bin. This substitution eliminates the need for manual handling and dumping, providing reliable and efficient seed transfer regardless of terrain or operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The auger system is automatically activated when the bulk bag is in position, allowing the seed transfer process to occur without manual intervention. The system self-regulates the flow of seed from the container to the cart bin, ensuring consistent transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If jumbo bags are used to increase seed quantity, then larger amounts of seed can be transported, but they are too heavy to be handled without specialized equipment and pose safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed capacityVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seed storage system is segmented into multiple smaller bulk bags that can be individually handled and replaced. Each bag contains a manageable quantity of seed that does not require specialized equipment for handling, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining adequate seed supply for extended operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using one large jumbo bag containing all necessary seed, the system uses multiple partial-filled bags that can be sequentially replaced. This approach provides excessive seed capacity through accumulation of multiple smaller units while avoiding the handling dangers of any single large bag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 seed cart effectively addresses the challenges of handling and transporting bulk seed by providing robust support and efficient seed delivery, reducing the need for specialized equipment and enhancing operational safety and efficiency in field operations.

Implementation Method 1

an auger off-loading ability to a planter or other agricultural equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAuger conveyance: Archimedes Screw

Data Source

PatentUS8851822B2Seed cart

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 TRAVIS MFG

AI summary

A vehicle for transporting bulk seed containers and for transferring seed from the bulk seed containers to a seed planting machine includes a frame; a number of bulk seed container supports attached to the frame, each bulk seed container support supporting a bulk seed container; a feed tube connected to each of the bulk seed container supports, each feed tube engaging a bulk seed container; a delivery tube connected to each feed tube; a funnel commonly connected to the delivery tubes; an auger tube connected to the funnel, and an auger to transfer seed to a seed planting machine.