Seed Dispensing Damper System for Vibration Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seed distribution systems fail to maintain uniformity and stability when operating on irregular micro reliefs, leading to irregular seed deposition due to vertical jerks and bumps from depth-limiting wheels, which are not adequately dampened, causing variability and inefficiency in seed distribution.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a damper system between the machine elements that touch the soil and the seed meter to absorb and mitigate the effects of irregularities, including the use of elastomer dampers and grooved seed conductors to reduce friction and stabilize seed fall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If depth-limiting wheels are used to control furrow depth, then planting depth control is improved, but seed distribution uniformity deteriorates due to vertical jerks and bumps on irregular micro reliefs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed distribution uniformityVSAvoidvertical jerks and bumps from soil irregularities

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a damper system as an intermediary element between the depth-limiting wheels and the seed meter. This damper absorbs and mitigates the vertical jerks and bumps generated by irregular micro reliefs, preventing these harmful vibrations from being transmitted to the seed meter and thereby maintaining uniform seed distribution while still allowing depth control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The damper system is positioned in advance between the soil-contacting depth-limiting wheels and the seed meter to cushion against upcoming irregularities. By providing this protective cushioning beforehand, the system prevents vibrations from affecting seed distribution uniformity before the harmful effects can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the seed meter is positioned above soil level with gravity-fed conductors, then seed distribution simplicity is improved, but adaptability to irregular micro reliefs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to irregular micro reliefsVSAvoidseed distribution system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damper system serves as a mediator that enables the seed meter to adapt to irregular micro reliefs without requiring a complete redesign of the gravity-fed conductor system. It absorbs the shocks from terrain irregularities, allowing the simple above-ground seed meter design to function effectively on varied terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the vibration parameters of the system by introducing damping elements that change the frequency and amplitude of vibrations transmitted from the depth-limiting wheels to the seed meter. This parameter change allows the system to maintain seed distribution uniformity across irregular terrain without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If high planting speed is used to increase productivity, then output is improved, but seed distribution precision deteriorates due to increased vibrations and irregularities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed deposition precisionVSAvoidplanting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The damper system provides beforehand cushioning that protects the seed meter from vibrations generated at high planting speeds. By cushioning against these vibrations in advance, the system maintains precise seed deposition even when operating at higher productivity levels where vibrations would normally degrade precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful vibrations generated at high planting speeds into a controlled damping effect. The damper system transforms the excessive vibrations that would normally degrade seed deposition precision into a controlled, minimized vibration level that actually benefits seed distribution uniformity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Significantly reduces seed distribution variability from 14% to 7% at a planting speed of 7.2 km/hour, ensuring more uniform and stable seed deposition by minimizing the impact of soil irregularities and vibrations on the seed meter and conductor.

Implementation Method 1

the present system comprises at least one damper system positioned between said machine elements (3, 13) that touch the soil (12) and said seed meter (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

use of elastomer dampers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

grooved seed conductors to reduce friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10709053B2Precision seed-dispensing system

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 DO AMARAL ASSY JOSE ROBERTO

AI summary

A precision seed-distribution system of the type applied on planters with a machine element that touches the soil, a row unit chassis that supports a seed meter, and a seed tube extending downward from the seed meter. The system may also include a damper system positioned between the seed tube and the row unit chassis.