Seed Refill System Pressure Segmentation for Continuous Sowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refilling seed reservoirs in agricultural seed drills with excess pressure and pressure differences poses challenges, as pneumatic refill systems struggle to maintain continuous operation without disrupting the sowing process.
Innovation Solution
A refilling system that utilizes the air pressure from the refill line to generate the necessary pressure difference for seed separation, allowing continuous seed replenishment during the sowing process, with level indicators and pressure sensors controlling the refill process to ensure adequate seed supply and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pneumatic refill lines are used to refill pressurized storage containers, then continuous refilling during the sowing process is enabled, but the air pressure required for refilling conflicts with the pressure difference needed for seed separation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air pressure function into two separate pathways: one pathway delivers air to the separating element for seed separation, while another pathway delivers air to the refill line for storage container refilling. This segmentation allows independent pressure control for each function, resolving the pressure conflict between continuous refilling and effective seed separation
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure-regulating valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the refill line to control and adjust the air pressure delivered to storage containers. This intermediary device enables the refill system to operate at appropriate pressure levels without disrupting the pressure difference required for seed separation at the dosing device
2Area of stationary object
If storage containers have relatively small capacity to fit within the separating element area, then the separating element layout is maintained, but frequent refilling interruptions would occur without continuous refilling capability
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic refill line operates continuously during the sowing process, maintaining a constant supply of air to refill storage containers as needed. This continuous action ensures that seeds are always available in the storage containers, preventing any interruptions to the sowing work and maintaining high productivity throughout operation
3Speed
If high air pressure is applied to storage containers for refilling, then refilling efficiency is improved, but the pressure difference required for reliable seed separation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into separate controlled pathways: one for refilling storage containers and another for maintaining pressure at the separating element. This allows the refill line to operate at higher pressure for efficient refilling while the separating element maintains its required pressure difference for reliable seed separation
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors and control systems monitor the pressure at both the refill line and the separating element, providing feedback to adjust air supply accordingly. This ensures that refilling pressure and separation pressure are independently optimized, maintaining both refilling speed and seed separation reliability
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
Enables continuous seed replenishment and maintains sufficient pressure difference for efficient seed distribution, ensuring uninterrupted operation and optimal seed application.
Implementation Method 1
The refill lines are subjected to an excess air pressure relative to atmospheric pressure by a motor-driven blower
Implementation Method 2
The separating drum of the dosing device has perforations arranged in rows of perforations in a known manner and therefore not shown in detail, which are subjected to a pressure difference compared to atmospheric pressure due to the air supplied via the refill line 3
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The refilling system is subjected with a positive pressure, and has a seed storage vessel (2), where each saw housing is arranged to dosing equipment subjected with a pressure lying over the atmospheric pressure. The seed storage vessel (6) is arranged to each saw housing by a pneumatically subjected seed storage vessel portion in the saw housing.