Seed Distribution Device With Elastic Bottom Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed distribution devices for sowing machines suffer from seed breakage due to the 'guillotine effect' when seeds are thrust into cells, leading to reduced sowing yield and frequent maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastically pliable bottom wall within each cell of the rotor, connected to the rotor via elastic means, which absorbs the impact of seeds as they enter, preventing damage and ensuring seeds are not broken during distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seeds are thrust into cells of the rotor during rotation, then seed distribution efficiency is improved, but seed breakage occurs due to the guillotine effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a bottom wall in each cell that is movable relative to the cell and capable of absorbing the impact of seeds before they are fully contained. The bottom wall acts as a cushioning element that deforms upon seed impact, preventing the guillotine effect that would otherwise occur when seeds are thrust into rotating cells. This allows efficient seed distribution while protecting seeds from breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bottom wall movable relative to the cell structure. The bottom wall can move in response to seed impact forces, transforming from a rigid potential damage source into a dynamic cushioning element. This movability allows the system to adapt to the impact forces during seed filling, preventing seed breakage while maintaining distribution efficiency.
2Strength
If a rigid bottom wall is used in rotor cells, then structural strength is improved, but seed damage occurs upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid bottom wall with a movable bottom wall that provides beforehand cushioning. This movable wall is designed to deform or move upon seed impact, absorbing the shock before it reaches the seeds. The structural strength is maintained through the cell walls and support structure, while the bottom wall specifically provides the cushioning function to prevent seed damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the mechanical properties of the bottom wall from rigid to movable/flexible. This parameter change allows the bottom wall to respond dynamically to seed impact forces, transforming it from a potential source of damage into a protective cushioning element while maintaining overall cell structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If seeds are cyclically fed through openings in the stator, then distribution precision is improved, but seed breakage occurs at the opening edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the movable bottom wall to absorb seed impact before seeds reach the stator opening edges. The cushioning action occurs within the cell during the seed filling phase, preventing seeds from acquiring enough velocity to strike the stator edges with damaging force. This maintains distribution precision while eliminating edge-related breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bottom wall acts as an intermediary element between the seed supply and the stator openings. It mediates the seed transfer process by providing a cushioning interface that controls seed release timing and velocity, preventing direct impact against the stator opening edges while maintaining precise distribution through controlled seed discharge.
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 solution significantly enhances sowing yield by preventing seed damage and reducing maintenance requirements, ensuring a high and reliable seed distribution process.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means (8) connecting the bottom wall (7) to the rotor (2)
Implementation Method 2
absorbs the impact of seeds as they enter, preventing damage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Device for distributing seeds for a sowing machine, which comprises a rotor (2) peripherally provided with a plurality of equidistant cells (3) each adapted to contain a dose of seeds to be distributed, a stator (4) placed externally around the rotor (2) and provided with a first opening (5) in order to cyclically feed the cells (3) with doses of seeds, and a second opening (6) in order to receive the doses of seeds from the cells (3) and to cyclically discharge them. The distribution device also comprises an elastically pliable bottom wall (7) inserted within the cell (3); elastic means (8) being provided for connecting the bottom wall (7) to the rotor (2). The bottom wall (7) defines, together with a lateral wall (9) of the cell (3), a metering chamber (10) for containing the seeds.