Seed Spreader Nozzle with Deflector Plate for Targeted Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for spreading seed or grit lack the capability to target specific areas, leading to uneven distribution and competition between different seed types in crops like corn and undersown seeds, as they often scatter over large areas or require sequential sowing before the first seed reaches a visible height.

Innovation Solution

A device with a turbulence mechanism and guide surface for controlled distribution, using baffle plates and air flow to direct seed into a defined area, combined with rake elements and compressive force applicators to ensure even spreading and prevent growth competition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If fertilizer spreaders or hose outlets are used for seed distribution, then broad-area distribution is achieved, but precise seed placement in limited areas is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseed distribution areaVSAvoidseed placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution system is segmented into multiple nozzles arranged in a specific pattern, where each nozzle distributes seed to a targeted location. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both broad-area coverage and precise placement by dividing the distribution task across multiple controlled outlets rather than using a single broad dispersal mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical seed delivery mechanisms (hose outlets, gravity-based spreaders) with a pneumatic system that uses pressurized air to propel seeds through tubes to specific locations. This substitution enables precise control over seed placement while maintaining efficient broad-area distribution capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sequential sowing is performed before first seed reaches visible height, then different seed types can be sown, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-seed type sowing capabilityVSAvoidsowing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares multiple seed trays with different seed types in advance, and the pneumatic distribution system is pre-configured with multiple nozzles positioned to deliver seeds to predetermined locations. This preliminary preparation enables simultaneous distribution of multiple seed types in a single operation, eliminating the need for sequential sowing and significantly reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution device is designed with multi-functionality to handle different seed types simultaneously through a single system. Multiple nozzles can be activated in parallel to distribute various seeds to different zones of the same field in one pass, making the system universal for multi-seed type sowing without requiring separate operations for each seed type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If seeds are scattered over large areas, then coverage is achieved, but targeted application to specific strips or areas is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseed coverage areaVSAvoidtargeted area application
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic distribution system implements local quality by directing seeds from different nozzles to different specific locations within the coverage area. Each nozzle is positioned and angled to deliver seeds to a particular strip or zone, allowing the system to provide uniform coverage across the entire area while maintaining precise targeted application to specific regions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 targeted, uniform spreading of seed over limited areas, allowing for parallel or sequential application of different seeds at defined distances, reducing growth competition and ensuring effective germination by maintaining seed in specific strips between crop rows.

Implementation Method 1

Air is blown in by means of a blower to transport the material, so that the material 2 is transported by the moving, powerful airflow from the material storage container 4 through the material feed device 3 to the material discharge device 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir stream transport: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

The turbulence device comprises at least one deflector plate for redirecting and reducing the material's velocity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

Upon impact with the guide surface, it is deflected and its dispersion is limited, ensuring that it lands within this limited area on the soil or arable land

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact and deflection: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP2878187B1Device for the targeted application of goods to be spread, in particular seed
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 SPITZ HEINRICH
  • EP2878187B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2878187B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2878187B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a device for the targeted application of material, in particular spreading material such as seeds, onto a soil surface (6), the device (100) comprises a material application device (1) with a housing (10) having at least one inner guide surface (13) and at least one outlet opening (15) for the material (2) to exit, and a swirling device (20) arranged in the housing (10) for swirling the material (2). A guide surface (13) of the housing (10) is arranged relative to the at least one outlet area (124) of the material (2) from the swirling device (20) such that, upon exiting the swirling device (20), the material (2) strikes the at least one guide surface (13) and is deflected, and the material (2) exits the housing (10) in an area (60) limited by the diameter (d) of the at least one outlet opening (15).This allows the material to be applied in a targeted manner within a predetermined strip, rather than over a large, undefined area.