Idly Supported Bell for Precision Seeder Disc Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sowing elements for precision agricultural seeders face challenges in maintaining sowing precision and efficiency due to complex disc replacement processes, interference with rotational speed, and suboptimal air aspiration tube positioning, leading to increased operational complexity and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

A sowing element design where the bell is idly supported relative to the selection disc, allowing for autonomous disc replacement and maintenance without affecting rotational precision, utilizing friction contact for disc rotation and incorporating an inclined seed drawing chamber and separate air manifold for improved seed distribution and pneumatic flow management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bell is fixed to the selection disc using screws along the external crown, then the disc can be securely attached, but replacing the selection disc becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of discVSAvoiddisc replacement process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into a bell component and a selection disc component that can be independently replaced. The bell remains fixed while only the selection disc needs to be replaced, separating the replacement operation from the entire assembly and simplifying maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The selection disc is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the bell assembly. This allows the disc to be removed and replaced independently without affecting the bell or requiring disassembly of the entire sowing element, significantly simplifying the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the bell is mounted on the fixed part and the seed chamber is made in the movable cover, then the structure is stable, but the seed chamber and tank must be completely emptied every time work needs to be done on the disc

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtime to empty seed chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The seed delivery system is segmented into a fixed bell component and a movable cover with seed chamber. This segmentation allows the cover to be independently removed and replaced, enabling operators to change seed types or clear blockages without emptying the entire tank, saving significant time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover containing the seed chamber is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be easily removed and replaced. This dynamic design enables quick access to the seed chamber for maintenance or seed changes without disrupting the fixed bell component or requiring complete tank emptying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the rotational speed of the selection disc is controlled by electric motors, then sowing precision is improved, but friction inside the sowing element interferes with controlling the rotational speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesowing precisionVSAvoidfriction interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bell is extracted as a separate idly supported component that does not interfere with the rotational control of the selection disc. This separation removes the source of friction interference from the rotational path, allowing electric motors to control disc speed more precisely without mechanical obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The idly supported bell acts as an intermediary component that provides structural support and defines the seed adhesion chamber without directly interfering with the rotational motion of the selection disc. This mediator role allows precise motor control while maintaining the necessary pneumatic chamber structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If air aspiration tubes are positioned to connect sowing elements to pneumatic vacuum generators, then seed selection is enabled, but the positioning cannot be optimized due to structural constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseed selection functionVSAvoidair tube positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic system is segmented into a fixed bell component and a movable cover, allowing air aspiration tubes to be positioned optimally in the fixed bell structure while maintaining flexibility for connection to movable components. This segmentation enables better tube routing and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows air aspiration tubes to be positioned in three-dimensional space within the bell structure, optimizing their placement for pneumatic flow efficiency. The idly supported bell provides spatial freedom for tube positioning that would be constrained in a fully fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enhances sowing precision and efficiency by simplifying disc replacement, maintaining consistent rotational speed, and optimizing air flow management, reducing operational complexity and increasing productivity while avoiding interference with existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a chamber in which there is established the negative pressure outside the aforementioned chamber that is required to adhere a seed at each hole of the disc on the opposite face to same

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure (vacuum): Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

air aspiration tubes which connect each sowing element to the pneumatic vacuum generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

The dragging effect between the bell and the sowing disc is in fact not essential, but is however ensured by the condition of contact between the bell and the disc, owing to the friction of the respective contact surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4122306A1Sowing element for precision agricultural seeders and seeder including element of this kind
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 MASCHIO GASPARDO
  • EP4122306A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4122306A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4122306A1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

Sowing element (1) for precision agricultural seeders comprising a device (10) for selecting the seed, of the type which is formed of a perforated disc (18) having opposing faces (18 a, b) that are subject to a pressure differential and a pressurisation device associated with the disc for applying the pressure differential to the faces of the disc, the pressurisation device including a pressurisation bell (30) combined with the disc so as to pneumatically couple thereto in order to guarantee said pressure differential, wherein the bell is rotatably idle with respect to the disc.