Seed Double Eliminator Wheel for Accurate Seed Singulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural planting operations face inefficiencies due to the formation of seed doubles, which result in sub-optimal seed delivery, ineffective seed singulation, and seed waste, as existing seed meters fail to effectively handle multiple seeds adhered to a single aperture.

Innovation Solution

A seed double eliminator system is introduced, comprising a rotatable wheel with protrusions that engage the seed disc to unsettle excess seeds from apertures, ensuring only a single seed is delivered by interacting with the seed disc's surface and reducing the vacuum hold, allowing the seed to be released into a transport apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a pressure differential (vacuum or positive pressure) is used to adhere seed to the aperture, then seed delivery is achieved, but seed doubles are formed when multiple seeds adhere to a single aperture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed delivery efficiencyVSAvoidseed singulation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The seed double eliminator performs preliminary action by removing excess seeds from apertures before the seed meter delivers them. The eliminator is positioned upstream of the seed meter and actively removes seed doubles in advance, preventing the delivery system from having to handle multiple seeds per aperture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The seed double eliminator acts as an intermediary component between the seed source and the seed meter. It receives seed flow from the source, removes excess seeds through its mechanical action (rotating wheel with protrusions), and delivers singulated seeds to the seed meter, thereby mediating the seed delivery process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If existing seed meters are used, then seed delivery operation is simple, but they fail to effectively handle multiple seeds adhered to a single aperture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed meter operation simplicityVSAvoidseed singulation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two functional components: the seed double eliminator that handles seed singulation and the seed meter that handles delivery. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the eliminator dealing with the complex task of removing excess seeds while the meter maintains its simple delivery operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seed double eliminator serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between simple operation requirements and reliable singulation. It automatically handles the complex seed separation task without requiring operational changes to the seed meter, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If seed doubles are not eliminated, then the seed meter structure remains simple, but seed waste increases due to ineffective seed singulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed meter structure complexityVSAvoidseed waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the seed handling function by adding a dedicated seed double eliminator component. This segmentation allows the seed meter structure to remain simple for delivery purposes while the separate eliminator component handles the complex task of removing excess seeds, thereby reducing seed waste without complicating the meter itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seed double eliminator performs preliminary seed singulation before seeds enter the meter system. By removing excess seeds in advance, it prevents seed waste from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to correct seed doubles after they have been delivered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively eliminates seed doubles, enhancing seed singulation and reducing waste by ensuring each aperture retains a single seed, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of seed delivery.

Implementation Method 1

reducing the vacuum hold, allowing the seed to be released into a transport apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum hold reduction: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS20250344629A1Apparatuses, systems, and methods for seed double elimination in agricultural operations

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An example seed double eliminator includes a base, an arm pivotably coupled to the base and pivotable about a first axis, and a rotatable wheel rotatably coupled to the arm. The arm may be biased in a direction away from the base. The wheel may be rotatable about a second axis. The wheel may include an exterior surface configured to unsettle a seed maintained at a location along a seed disc to remove the seed from the location.