Seed Tab Winged Tail Design for Furrow Seed Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seed boot assemblies and seed tabs suffer from seed loss due to seeds bouncing out of the furrow, particularly through gaps between the seed boot and the outer edge of the seed tab, leading to improper seed placement and retention within the furrow.

Innovation Solution

A seed boot assembly with a seed tab featuring a winged tail or stepped edge configuration that extends laterally outward, closing the gaps between the seed boot and the furrow wall, ensuring seeds are redirected and retained within the furrow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a conventional seed tab is used at the outlet end of the seed boot, then seed bounce is reduced by redirecting seeds downward, but gaps remain between the seed boot and the outer edge of the seed tab allowing seeds to escape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed lossVSAvoidseed tab configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The seed tab is extended laterally outward beyond the outer edge of the seed boot, adding a dimensional element that closes the gap between the seed boot and the furrow wall. This lateral extension creates a more complete enclosure of the furrow volume, preventing seed escape paths that existed with conventional seed tabs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of substance

If the seed tab extends laterally outward to close gaps, then seed retention is improved, but the seed tab becomes more prone to wear and breakage from ground contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed retentionVSAvoidseed tab durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seed tab is designed as a flexible component that can dynamically adjust its position and shape during operation. This flexibility allows the seed tab to absorb ground contact forces through bending and deformation rather than rigid fracture, maintaining its seed-retaining function while accommodating wear and varying field conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the seed tab is made flexible to reduce breakage, then durability is improved, but the tab may deform excessively and lose effectiveness in redirecting seeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed tab durabilityVSAvoidseed tab deflection control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The seed tab incorporates regions of varying flexibility along its length, with different sections having different degrees of rigidity. The portion in contact with ground may be more flexible to absorb impact, while the portion responsible for seed deflection maintains sufficient rigidity to effectively redirect seeds downward into the furrow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3437449B1Seed tab and seed boot assembly with seed tab

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

A seed tab (44) is provided for a seed boot (42) having a seed passage (50) extending from an inlet (52) to an outlet (54). The seed tab includes a tab body (58) and a tab tail (64). The tab body has a mounting arrangement (60) at a first end (62) and a laterally outer edge (68). The tab tail extends from the tab body to a second end (66) and has a laterally outer edge (70) that extends laterally outward of the laterally outer edge (68) of the tab body. A laterally extending edge (80) extends between the laterally outer edge (68) of the tab body (58) and the laterally outer edge (70) of the tab tail (64). The seed tab (44) is configured so that, when the tab body (58) is connected to the seed boot (42) at the mounting arrangement (60), the tab tail (64) extends downwardly behind the outlet (54) of the seed boot.