Seed Drill Control for Multi-Seed Sowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed drills require complex and costly actuator components to efficiently sow different types of seeds in a single pass, leading to time-consuming operations and unplanned unseeded areas due to the need for buffer systems and additional dispensing elements.
Innovation Solution
A control and/or regulating device that adjusts the ratio between seed flow and seed quantity, allowing for quick switching between seed types without additional actuator components, utilizing field-specific data to optimize seed selection and placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate seed delivery devices and dispensing elements are used for different seed types, then different seed types can be sown in one pass, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple seed delivery functions into a single dispensing element that can handle different seed types sequentially. Instead of having separate dispensing elements for each seed type, one dispensing element is used for all seed types, reducing the number of actuators while maintaining the ability to sow different seeds in one pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The single dispensing element is designed to be universal, capable of dispensing multiple different seed types by receiving seeds from different seed delivery devices. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated dispensing elements for each seed type, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a buffer system is used in dispensing elements for seed switching, then different seed types can be sown, but the operation time increases and unseeded areas may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the buffer system from the dispensing element design. By eliminating the buffer, seeds are dispensed directly from the seed delivery devices without accumulation, allowing immediate switching between seed types without the time-consuming process of emptying buffers, thus preventing unseeded areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuator components are added for seed switching, then different seed types can be sown, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seed switching function into the control system rather than requiring additional physical actuator components. The single dispensing element is controlled to receive seeds from different seed delivery devices based on control signals, reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant actuators.
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
This solution simplifies the seed drill operation by minimizing buffer formation and enabling flexible adaptation of seed flow and quantity, allowing for efficient and precise sowing of different seed types in a single pass, while reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the seed drill can be provided with a fan so that pneumatic conveying can be used
Data Source
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AI summary
Seed drill, in particular a precision seed drill (2), with at least one seeding unit (5), wherein the seeding unit (5) has at least two separate seed supply devices (9L, 9R) and at least one spreading device (11), wherein each of the seed supply devices (9L, 9R) has a separate metering device (10L, 10R) for generating a seed flow to the spreading device (11), and the spreading device (11) is configured to deliver a quantity of seed to the soil, wherein the seed drill comprises a control and/or regulating device configured to control the metering devices (10L, 10R) and the at least one spreading device (11) of the seed drill.In order to further develop the control and/or regulating device in order to equip a simplified seed drill to sow different types of seed in one pass, it is provided that the control and/or regulating device is equipped to adjust the ratio between the seed flow generated by at least one of the metering units (10L, 10R) and the amount of seed conveyed by the spreading unit (11) and to store field-specific data.