Seed-Double Eliminator With Flexible Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seed doubles, where multiple seeds are captured by a single portion of a seed meter or device, lead to sub-optimal seed delivery and processing, as existing technologies fail to efficiently eliminate these doubles during seed transport from a seed pool to a release position.
Innovation Solution
A seed-double eliminator is integrated into the seeding machine, featuring pockets with flexible extensions, such as brushes, that contact and remove excess seeds from the seed path, ensuring only one seed is delivered at a time by extending from within the pocket cavity towards the seed path and utilizing the difference in seed positioning to selectively eliminate doubles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard seed meter is used to transport seeds from the seed pool to the release position, then seed transport function is provided, but seed doubles cannot be eliminated and sub-optimal seed delivery occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The seed meter is divided into functional segments: the pocket portion for seed capture, the flexible extension for seed contact, and the elimination zone where seed doubles are removed. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible extension acts as an intermediary element between the pocket and the seed path. It selectively contacts seed doubles and guides them to the elimination zone without interfering with normal single seed transport, thus improving seed delivery accuracy without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple seeds are captured by a single portion of the seed meter, then seed capture capacity is increased, but seed double elimination is not achieved and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible extension is positioned to contact seeds during their transport along the seed path, before they reach the release position. This preliminary action of contacting and redirecting seed doubles ensures that only single seeds are discharged, maintaining processing efficiency while allowing initial multi-seed capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that multiple seeds may be initially captured (the potential harm) but uses the flexible extension to convert this situation into a benefit by guiding the extra seeds to the elimination zone. The seed doubles are redirected to fall into the pocket cavity or onto the seed path upstream, where they can be recaptured or properly disposed of, thus maintaining overall productivity.
3Reliability
If a flexible extension is added to contact and remove excess seeds, then seed double elimination is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible extension is made of elastomeric material that can deform and return to its original position. This flexibility allows it to contact seed doubles selectively without requiring complex mechanical actuation mechanisms, thereby improving single seed discharge accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible extension utilizes the natural movement of the metering member and the positioning of seeds along the seed path to perform the elimination function. The elastomeric material's inherent properties allow it to deflect and contact seeds automatically as they pass by, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
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-double eliminator effectively reduces seed doubles, enhancing the efficiency and success of seed delivery by ensuring individual seed discharge, even when multiple seeds are initially captured, thereby improving the overall planting operation.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible extension is disposed to contact at least one seed of a seed-double pair being moved along the seed path by the metering member in order to remove the at least one seed from the seed path
Data Source
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AI summary
A seed-double eliminator for a seeding machine (10) with a metering member (46) that is configured to move seed (80) along a seed path (82) is disclosed. The seed-double eliminator comprising: a pocket (90) with a pocket opening (98) exposed to the seed path (82) and a pocket cavity (100) extending from the pocket opening (98) away from the seed path (82); and a flexible extension extending from within the pocket cavity (100) toward the seed path (82); wherein the flexible extension is disposed to contact at least one seed (80) of a seed-double pair being moved along the seed path (82) by the metering member (46) in order to remove the at least one seed (80) from the seed path (82). Further, a seeding machine (10) with such a seed-double eliminator is disclosed.