Seed Mixing System with Segmented Dispensing for Ratio Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed mixing processes often fail to maintain target quantities and ratios of different types of seeds in individual sacks, as the desired volumetric ratios achieved in batches do not consistently carry through to the final packaging.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising dispensing assemblies to portion specific quantities of each seed type from bulk supplies and a mixing assembly to combine them, ensuring the seed mix meets target quantities and ratios, with optional packaging in bags or SeedPak containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seeds are mixed in batches using volumetric ratios, then the mixing process is simple and fast, but the target ratio of different seed types is not maintained in individual sacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the seed mixing process by separating different seed types into individual dispensing assemblies, each capable of precise metering. This allows each seed type to be portioned independently before combination, ensuring accurate ratio control while maintaining efficient production throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through controllers that monitor and adjust the operation of each dispensing assembly. This closed-loop control ensures that the target ratio of different seed types is maintained in each sack by continuously comparing actual dispensing amounts with desired ratios and making real-time adjustments.
2Device complexity
If manual portioning and mixing is used, then equipment complexity is low, but consistency of seed ratios across sacks cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-regulating dispensing assemblies with built-in metering mechanisms that automatically portion seeds according to pre-programmed ratios. Each assembly monitors and adjusts its own operation to maintain consistent seed distribution, reducing the need for complex external control systems while ensuring reliable ratio consistency.
3Productivity
If volumetric mixing is used, then the process is fast and simple, but seed segregation occurs and planting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary portioning of each seed type before mixing, with each dispensing assembly pre-metering the exact amount of each seed type required. This preliminary action ensures that seeds are distributed uniformly from the start, preventing segregation during subsequent handling and maintaining mix integrity throughout the packaging process.
Data Source
AI summary
A process and system are provided for preparing seed mixes having a target quantity and a target ratio of different types of seeds. The process generally includes portioning quantities of different types of seeds from bulk supplies of the seeds, and combining the portioned quantities of seeds to prepare the seed mixes. The system generally includes first and second dispensing assemblies for portioning the quantities of the different types of seeds from the bulk supplies, and a mixing assembly for receiving the portioned quantities of seeds as the seed mixes. The combined quantities of the different types of seeds in the seed mixes are substantially equal to the target quantity, and a ratio of the quantities of the different types of seeds is substantially equal to the target ratio.