Pneumatic Seed Drill Segmented Folding with Shut-Off Seal

Solution Overview

Problem

Precision seed drills with large working widths face challenges in folding mechanisms, as existing methods are complex and expensive, and previous folding techniques fail to maintain seed containment when side segments with storage containers and separating devices are pivoted, leading to seed loss.

Innovation Solution

A precision seed drill design that pivots side segments 90° about a horizontal axis, using a shut-off device such as a pivoting flap or inflatable hose-like casing to seal the space between the separating device and partition wall, preventing seed loss during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If side segments are pivoted 90° into transport position using conventional folding mechanisms, then transportability is improved, but device complexity increases and seed loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidfolding mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seed drill is divided into a central part and multiple side segments that can be independently pivoted. Each side segment contains its own storage container and separating device, allowing modular folding and transport while maintaining functional integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shut-off device is activated before the side segments are pivoted into transport position. This preliminary action closes the intermediate space between the storage container and separating device, preventing seed loss during the folding process and ensuring clean transition to transport configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If side segments with storage containers and separating devices are pivoted, then transportability is improved, but seed containment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidseed containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shut-off device is activated before the side segments are pivoted into transport position. This preliminary action closes the intermediate space between the storage container and separating device, preventing seed loss during the folding process and ensuring clean transition to transport configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A shut-off device acts as an intermediary element between the storage container and separating device. This mediator component temporarily seals the intermediate space during the pivoting operation, preventing seed escape while allowing normal seed flow during the working position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional folding mechanisms are used, then transportability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seed drill is divided into a central part and multiple side segments that can be independently pivoted. Each side segment contains its own storage container and separating device, allowing modular folding and transport while maintaining functional integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shut-off device is activated before the side segments are pivoted into transport position. This preliminary action closes the intermediate space between the storage container and separating device, preventing seed loss during the folding process and ensuring clean transition to transport configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1712116B1Pneumatic precision seed drill

Publication Date: 2014.06.04 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

Pneumatic single-seed seeder with a seed storage container, a pneumatically pressurized, perforated and rotating singulation device, the area of which lies below the axis of rotation is at least partially guided to the deposition of seeds at the perforation by a seed supply led from the storage container to the singulation device, wherein a partition wall is located between the storage container and the singulation device, determining the seed supply height and extending in an upright direction at a distance from the singulation device.In order to create a single-seed seeder in which the sub-segments with the storage containers and singulation devices arranged on them can be pivoted by 90° about a horizontal pivot axis, it is provided that an adjustable shut-off device is arranged between the singulation device and the partition wall in the area of the lower end of the partition wall and above the seed storage height, closing the space between the singulation device and the partition wall.