Seed Tank Conveyor Control for Balanced Multi-Tank Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seeder machines with multiple tanks face challenges such as uneven seed depletion, requiring manual intervention and potential seed wastage, especially when changing seed types or operating on inclined surfaces, which delays planting operations and exposes operators to chemicals.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor system connecting two or more tanks with sensors and a controller to automatically adjust seed distribution and expel material, allowing seamless transfer and balancing of granular materials without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If manual tank reloading and seed type changing is used, then operator control flexibility is maintained, but operator exposure to chemicals and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator exposure to chemicalsVSAvoidmanual intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation through automated sensors that detect seed levels in tanks and trigger conveyor activation to transfer seeds automatically, eliminating the need for operator intervention in tank reloading and seed type changing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (operator opening hatches, pouring seeds) with an automated conveyor system controlled by sensors and a control unit, substituting human physical interaction with mechanical automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual tank emptying and reloading is performed, then seed type flexibility is maintained, but planting operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanting operation continuityVSAvoidtime for tank reloading

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated conveyor system ensures continuous useful action by automatically transferring seeds between tanks based on sensor detection, eliminating interruptions in the planting operation that would occur during manual tank reloading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting seed levels in advance and automatically initiating the seed transfer process before tanks are completely depleted, preventing planting operation interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If gravity-based seed transfer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but seed distribution uniformity and weight balance control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor system complexityVSAvoidseed distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control through sensors that continuously monitor seed levels in tanks and provide information to the control unit, which adjusts conveyor operation to achieve precise seed distribution and weight balance control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system performs multiple functions including seed transfer, seed distribution control, and weight balance management, replacing the need for separate gravity-based transfer mechanisms while providing superior control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures synchronized seed distribution across tanks, reducing operator effort, minimizing seed wastage, and enhancing safety by automating the process.

Implementation Method 1

a conveyor extending between the tanks. The conveyor can be operated to transfer a granular material between the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a conveyor positioned towards a bottom portion of the tank and extending between the egress port and the enclosure of the tank, wherein operation of the conveyor expels the granular material from the enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20260020518A1Seed conveyor

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 DEERE & CO

AI summary

Disclosed herein are tank assemblies, and particularly tank assemblies including conveyors for the transfer of granular materials, such as seeds. Such conveyors can include a conduit through which the granular material is moved, and a rotatable auger configured to move the seeds through the conduit. Also disclosed herein are control systems and methods for the operation of the tank assemblies and particularly the conveyors disclosed herein. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the control methods may implement signals from one or more sensors to monitor the level of the granular material in the tank assemblies, and control signals to operate the conveyors to arrive at targeted levels of granular material in the tank assemblies.