Adjustable Seed Singulators for Precision Sowing Duplicate Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed distribution devices in precision sowing machines are ineffective in eliminating duplicate seeds and require adjustment for different seed types, leading to inefficiencies and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A seed distribution device with adjustable singulators, comprising through-holes and through-slots, allows for independent adjustment of the disruptive selection path to eliminate duplicates without failures, using engagement elements for precise seed handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed double-abutment separator is used, then duplicate seeds can be eliminated for a specific seed type, but the device cannot be adapted to different seed types without replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is made adjustable through engagement elements that allow modification of the disruptive selection path position relative to the circular seed trajectory. This dynamic adjustment enables the same device to effectively eliminate duplicates for different seed types by adapting the separator's position and orientation to match specific seed characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The position and orientation parameters of the separator are made variable through the engagement mechanism. By changing these parameters, the device can optimize duplicate elimination for different seed types (varying in dimensions, configuration, density) without requiring component replacement.
2Reliability
If seed type changes are accommodated by replacing elimination members, then optimal performance for each seed type is achieved, but substantial time is lost during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable engagement elements allow rapid reconfiguration of the separator position without disassembly or replacement of components. This dynamic adjustment mechanism dramatically reduces the time required to adapt to different seed types compared to replacing elimination members.
Solution Approach 2:
The single separator design with adjustable engagement elements serves multiple seed types universally, replacing the need for multiple fixed elimination members. This multi-functional approach eliminates time-consuming replacement operations while maintaining effective duplicate elimination across different seed varieties.
3Reliability
If processing effectiveness on the sowing disc is increased, then seed failures are prevented, but duplicate seeds are processed by the same hole
Solution Approach 1:
The seed processing function is segmented into two distinct stages: first, the sowing disc processes seeds to prevent failures through effective processing; second, the adjustable separator independently eliminates duplicates by creating a disruptive selection path. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator acts as an intermediary component between the sowing disc and the final sowing process. It receives seeds that have already been processed by the disc and performs additional duplicate elimination, mediating between the disc's processing effectiveness and the final seed distribution quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seeds distribution device (1, 100) for precision sowing machines comprising a housing (860) for a seed selector disc which is mounted for rotation about a central rotation axis (Z), at least one ring of holes in the seed selector disc which is provided to transport seeds (S) over a circular trajectory (C), a first singulator (10, 110) and a second singulator (20, 120) which are mounted so as to be radially facing on the housing (60) at opposite sides of the circular trajectory (C) of the seeds (S) and the first and second singulator being distal and proximal with respect to the central rotation axis (Z) respectively, the first singulator and second singulator defining a disruptive selection path for the seed and being independently adjustable selectively to modify at least locally the disruptive path so as to eliminate duplicates of seeds from the disc without creating failures.