Seed-Fertilizer Application Unit for Longitudinal Spacing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural spreading machines face challenges in maintaining a consistent longitudinal distance between deposited fertilizer and seed due to varying positional relationships between the fertilizer and seed placement devices, which can lead to inconsistent application.

Innovation Solution

A spreading unit equipped with a position detection system using sensors to monitor the positional relationship between fertilizer and seed placement devices, allowing for corrective measures such as repositioning or adjusting the operation of metering units to maintain the intended longitudinal distance, and incorporating a carrier mechanism with deflection mechanisms to adapt to soil contours.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a liquid fertilizer tank trailer is converted to a dry fertilizer distributor, then the distribution of dry fertilizer can be achieved, but the system requires complex modifications including multiple outlets, valves, and agitators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank utilization flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distributing unit is designed to be universally applicable to both liquid and dry fertilizer tanks. The same basic distribution mechanism can handle different materials by simply changing the agitating device, allowing one system design to serve multiple purposes without requiring complete redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The distributing unit is divided into separate functional modules: the distribution valve assembly, the agitating device, and the outlet system. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall system by allowing modules to be configured based on specific application requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple outlets are provided at the rear end of the tank trailer, then distribution efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple distribution outlets are combined into a single distributing unit assembly that contains all necessary valves, actuators, and control mechanisms in one integrated package. This merging reduces the number of separate structural components needed while maintaining the productivity benefits of multiple outlets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If a distributing unit is designed specifically for dry fertilizer, then dry fertilizer distribution performance is optimized, but it cannot be used with liquid fertilizer tanks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution precisionVSAvoidtank compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The agitating device is designed to be changeable or adjustable based on the material being distributed. For dry fertilizer, agitation elements are provided; for liquid fertilizer, these can be removed or deactivated. This dynamic configuration allows the same distributing unit to maintain optimal performance across different material types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4529408B1Application unit for an agricultural application machine and method for operating an application unit
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4529408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4529408B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4529408B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a distributing unit (10) for an agricultural distributor, having a fertilizer-depositing device (22) for depositing fertilizer on agricultural land, and having a seed-depositing device (34) for depositing seed on the agricultural land, wherein the fertilizer-depositing device (22) and the seed-depositing device (34) are fastened on a carrier mechanism (12), and the carrier mechanism (12) allows a change in the relative position between the fertilizer-depositing device (22) and the seed-depositing device (34).