Seed Meter Flap Mechanism for Transport Seed Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Planter row units with seed meters face the risk of seeds unintentionally being discharged when tipped from the working to transport position due to the design of existing seed meters, which fails to securely retain seeds during transition.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a pivotal flap mechanism in the seed meter that cooperates with vertical and angled brushes to retain seeds within the seed pool area during transport, preventing seeds from entering the exit chute and ensuring they return to the seed pool when the unit is returned to the working position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the planter row unit is tipped from working position to transport position, then transport efficiency is improved, but seeds may unintentionally pass out through the exit of the seed meter
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is positioned to close the exit passage before the tipping action begins, preventing seeds from falling out during the transport position transition. This preliminary protective action occurs at the start of the tipping process
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to automatically adjust its position based on the planter's orientation. The flap rotates from a closed position during transport to an open position during planting operations
2Reliability
If a flap mechanism is added to prevent seed loss, then seed retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap utilizes the planter's own tipping motion to automatically open and close, without requiring separate actuators or control systems. The gravitational force and inertial effects during tipping naturally drive the flap's movement
Solution Approach 2:
The flap's position parameter changes dynamically with the planter's orientation angle. As the planter tips from working to transport position, the flap transitions from open to closed state, and reverses when returning to working position
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
Effectively prevents seed loss during transport and ensures seeds are securely retained within the seed meter, maintaining seed integrity and operational efficiency when the planter row unit is tilted for transport and returned to working position.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotal flap mechanism in the seed meter that cooperates with vertical and angled brushes to retain seeds within the seed pool area during transport
Implementation Method 2
a pivotal flap mechanism in the seed meter that cooperates with vertical and angled brushes to retain seeds within the seed pool area
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A seed meter (300') includes a seed disc (370) that is rotatable within a housing (330,340'). The seed disc (370) includes a seed side having a plurality of seed apertures (372) which define a circular path and entrain seeds from a seed pool (P) as the seed disc (370) rotates. Two brushes (1510,1530) is disposed in the seed meter (300') on said seed side. A flap (1520) is pivotably attached to a lower end of the first brush (1510). When the seed meter (300') is in a transport position, the flap (1520) pivots under gravity and contacts the second brush (1530). When the seed meter (300') is in a working position, the flap (1520) pivots under gravity away from the second brush (1530).