Seed Tender Conveyor Positioning by Spout Orientation Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for controlling seed tender conveyors require manual operation using handheld devices, which can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous, leading to seed spillage and safety risks due to the need for operators to repeatedly engage and disengage conveyor movements.

Innovation Solution

A seed tender system with a sensor system and actuator that automatically controls the movement of a conveyor discharge spout based on the orientation of the spout, using sensors like inclinometers and switches to intuitively guide the conveyor into desired positions, with a fail-safe mechanism to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control using handheld device is used, then the operator can control conveyor movement, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system automatically controls its own positioning and seed discharge operations through sensors that detect spout orientation and automatically adjust conveyor speed and position, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and significantly reducing operator workload and time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system using sensors (inclinometers, switches) and electronic controllers that detect spout orientation and automatically adjust conveyor operations, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual control is used, then the operator can position the spout, but safety risks increase due to operator distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors its own position and orientation using sensors and automatically makes corrections to maintain safe operation, eliminating the need for operator distraction and significantly reducing safety risks associated with manual control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor spout orientation and conveyor position, providing feedback to the control system which automatically adjusts operations to maintain safe and accurate seed discharge, eliminating operator distraction and improving safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of substance

If repeated engagement and disengagement of conveyor is required, then the spout can be positioned, but seed spillage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed spillageVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous conveyor operation by automatically adjusting speed and position based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for repeated engagement and disengagement that causes seed spillage, while the automatic control prevents waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated control system using sensors and electronic controllers replaces manual mechanical engagement/disengagement operations, maintaining continuous conveyor operation and preventing seed spillage through precise automatic positioning and speed control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system allows for precise and efficient transfer of seeds by automatically adjusting conveyor positions, reducing the risk of spillage and operator error, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using sensors like inclinometers and switches to intuitively guide the conveyor into desired positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInclinometer:

Data Source

PatentUS20250380630A1Seed tender with assisted conveyor positioning and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 J&M MANUFACTURING CO INC

AI summary

A seed tender includes a supplying container configured to hold seed, a transfer element, a sensor system, and an actuator configured to control the movement of the transfer element. The transfer element is configured to transfer the seed from the supplying container to a receiving container and includes a conveyor and a discharge spout coupled to the conveyor. The discharge spout is configured to direct the seed into the receiving container. The sensor system is associated with the discharge spout. Moving at least a portion of the discharge spout in a first direction activates the sensor system thereby energizing the actuator which moves the transfer element in a first corresponding direction associated with the first direction.