Seed Dispensing System Integrated with Residue Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed dispensing systems in agricultural combines require significant mounting space and a large opening, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for additional machinery and traffic, which complicates the process of planting cover crops after main harvests.
Innovation Solution
A compact seed dispensing system integrated with a residue spreading system, where seeds are injected into the residue flow, eliminating the need for a separate seed spreading system and allowing for optimal distribution with chaff or straw, reducing machine and operator costs, and improving seed germination conditions by ensuring direct soil contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate seed dispensing system is mounted at the lower back end of the combine, then seeds can be dispensed onto the field, but the system requires significant mounting space and a large opening at the combine body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seed dispensing system with the residue spreading system into a single integrated unit. The seed dispenser is mounted on the residue spreading system and utilizes the same structural support and opening, eliminating the need for a separate mounting space and large opening that would be required for a standalone seed dispensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The residue spreading system is designed to perform multiple functions: spreading residue and dispensing seeds simultaneously. By making the residue spreading system universal, it can handle both residue distribution and seed dispensing operations through a single system, reducing the overall space and structural requirements.
2Productivity
If a separate seed dispensing system is used, then seeds can be dispensed directly onto the field, but additional machinery and operator costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the seed dispensing function with the residue spreading function into a single integrated system. This combination allows the combine to perform both harvesting and planting operations simultaneously using one system rather than requiring separate machinery for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multi-functionality by enabling both residue spreading and seed dispensing operations through a single apparatus. This universal system eliminates the need for additional separate machinery, reducing operational complexity and costs while maintaining the capability for simultaneous harvesting and planting.
3Productivity
If seeds are dispensed directly onto the field, then planting can be achieved, but seed distribution uniformity and soil contact may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by dispensing seeds into the residue stream before the residue is spread onto the field. This preliminary mixing of seeds with residue ensures that seeds are already positioned within the spreading material, which then deposits them uniformly on the field surface with improved soil contact compared to direct field dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The residue acts as an intermediary medium that carries the seeds from the dispenser to the field. By mixing seeds with the residue stream and then spreading the combined material, the residue serves as a carrier that ensures uniform distribution and proper placement of seeds on the field surface, improving both distribution uniformity and soil contact.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Agricultural combine (1) comprising a residue spreading system (4) adapted for spreading residue (5, 13) onto a field, wherein the residue spreading system comprises a seed container (14) and a seed dispensing system (15, 16, 17) adapted to dispense seeds from the seed container into the residue so that, in operation, the dispensed seeds are spread onto the field together with the residue.