Seed Singulation Disc with Radial Grooves and Suction Holes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed distribution units for precision seeders struggle with irregular seed shapes and sizes, leading to inefficiencies in seed selection, spacing, and expulsion, resulting in gaps and doubles during sowing.
Innovation Solution
The distribution unit features radial grooves with a suction hole smaller than the seeds, connected to a channel that guides seeds to the periphery for precise expulsion, ensuring regular spacing and minimizing gaps and doubles, even with heterogeneous seeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial grooves with identical diameter are used throughout their length, then seeds can be retained on the disc during rotation, but seeds with irregular shapes cannot be properly collected or are introduced in pairs, generating shortages and doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is designed with varying width along its length: narrower at the suction end to properly engage and select individual seeds, and wider toward the periphery to accommodate seeds during transport and facilitate their release. This local variation in geometry allows the same groove structure to adapt to different seed shapes while maintaining reliable seed selection and distribution
2Reliability
If the groove diameter is smaller than the seed size, then seeds are retained during rotation, but seed expulsion becomes difficult and spacing between seeds is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is segmented into distinct zones along its length: a suction zone with narrower diameter for seed engagement and retention, and a discharge zone with wider diameter at the periphery for easy seed expulsion. This segmentation allows the groove to perform both retention and expulsion functions effectively, maintaining regular seed spacing
3Manufacturing precision
If the groove width is adapted to homogeneous seeds, then distribution precision is improved, but the system cannot handle heterogeneous seed batches with varying shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The groove design with varying width serves multiple functions: it selects individual seeds through the narrower suction end, transports various seed shapes along its length, and releases seeds at the wider periphery. This multi-functional geometry makes the distribution system universally applicable to different seed types and shapes while maintaining precision distribution
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
This solution enables efficient and precise seed distribution with consistent spacing, reducing the number of gaps and doubles, and facilitating seed expulsion, regardless of seed shape or size, ensuring reliable sowing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The disc selects seeds thanks to a flow of air making it possible to suck up and retain the seed during part of its rotation
Implementation Method 2
the seeds are sucked up, then retained on the grooves by depression
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a distribution box (1) for a single-seed seed drill with a disc (4) provided with radial grooves (5) which are evenly spaced and open at the periphery of said disc (4), said disc (4) being mounted to rotate on a horizontal axis (4a) and separating a seed reservoir (6) from a suction device (7) so that the seeds are picked up from the reservoir (6) by said disc (4) using the stream of air at a depression and are held over at least part of their angular travel until they are expelled from a discharge opening (8). The box is notable in that each groove (5) has a suction hole (10) of a size smaller than that of the seeds that are to be distributed, said suction hole (10) opens onto a canal (11) of a width smaller than the diameter of the suction hole (10), said canal (11) is open as far as the periphery of the disc (4). The present invention also relates to a single-seed seed drill with at least one distribution box according to the invention.