Pneumatic Seed Distributor Ring Body for Flexible Tramline Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic seed distributors face issues with uneven seed distribution and inability to achieve precise lateral distribution and tramline shut-off without reconfiguration, leading to inefficiencies and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A distributor for a pneumatic distribution machine featuring a ring body with multiple through-openings and switchable distribution levels, equipped with detachable closure elements, allowing for uniform seed distribution and tramline configuration without tools, by aligning through-openings with outlets to control seed flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If outlets are closed off to create tramlines, then seed distribution to specific coulters is controlled, but uniform lateral distribution of seed to remaining outlets is impaired due to asymmetrical closure
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is segmented into multiple outlets, each with independent closure capability through detachable closure elements. This allows selective closing of individual outlets or groups of outlets to create tramlines while maintaining symmetrical flow paths for open outlets, thus preserving uniform seed distribution to remaining coulters.
Solution Approach 2:
Closure elements are placed locally at specific outlets rather than using a global asymmetric configuration. Each outlet can be independently closed or opened, allowing local modification of seed flow paths without affecting the overall symmetry and uniformity of distribution to other outlets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deflector is inserted into the seed flow to create tramlines, then outlet closure is achieved, but precise lateral distribution cannot be achieved and tramline shut-off causes seed loss
Solution Approach 1:
The closure function is extracted from a central deflector mechanism and distributed to individual detachable closure elements that can be placed at specific outlets. This eliminates the need for a large deflector that causes seed loss, as closure is achieved locally at the outlet level without disrupting the overall seed flow path for other outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
Detachable closure elements serve as intermediaries between the seed flow and the outlets. These elements can be inserted or removed to control seed distribution to specific coulters without causing seed loss, as they provide a clean closure interface rather than deflecting seed flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outlets to be shut off are changed, then different tramline configurations are achieved, but reconfiguration requires separate inserts or reconnection of seed lines
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable closure elements are designed with universal applicability, where a single set of standardized closure elements can be used to create different tramline configurations by simply changing their placement pattern. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized inserts or reconnection of seed lines, as the same closure elements can accommodate various outlet closure patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is made dynamically reconfigurable through detachable closure elements that can be quickly inserted or removed from different outlets. This allows rapid adaptation between different tramline configurations without permanent modifications or complex reassembly, enabling flexible response to different field conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetrical closure of outlets is used to create tramlines, then tramline configuration is achieved, but flow within the distributor is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
While the closure pattern may appear asymmetrical from one view, the system maintains functional symmetry by providing equivalent flow paths for all open outlets. The detachable closure elements ensure that when outlets are closed, the remaining open outlets receive symmetrical and uniform seed distribution, preventing flow impairment while achieving tramline configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a distributor (1) for a pneumatic distribution machine, in particular a seed drill, for distributing seed and/or fertilizer, comprising a distributor housing (7) with an inner area (16) and a plurality of outlets (3), each of which can be assigned to a seed outlet (10) or a seed coulter (11) via a seed line (4), a ring body (17) arranged within the distributor housing (7) and switchable between several distribution positions, wherein the ring body (17) has a plurality of through-openings (15) which are arranged in at least a first distribution level (20) and a second distribution level (21) and through which the inner area (16) can be connected to at least one outlet (3), wherein in a first distribution position of the ring body (17) all outlets (3) are connected to the inner area (16) via the first distribution level (20) in a way that allows seed to pass through.and in a second distribution position of the ring body (17) via the second distribution level (21), at least one outlet (3) can be closed, at least impermeable to seeds, and in particular completely. According to the invention, at least one closure element (22) is provided for detachable arrangement in a through-opening (15), in particular the second distribution level (21), of the ring body (17) for closing the through-opening (15) and in particular the associated outlet (3) in a manner that is at least impermeable to seeds.