Seeder Distribution Head Rear Positioning for Reduced Overhang

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folding single-grain seeders with large working widths face challenges in accessing the distribution head and pipes due to their central positioning, leading to increased overhang and reduced maneuverability when transporting and working, especially when the frame folds up during transport.

Innovation Solution

The distribution head is positioned at the rear of the seeder, behind the sowing elements, which reduces overhang and improves accessibility, keeping the frame and seeding units close to the tractor's three-point hitch, allowing easier access and maintaining a lower center of gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the distribution head is positioned in the central zone of the frame, then it is close to the tractor and the frame structure is compact, but access to the distribution head and pipes becomes difficult and overhang increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to distribution headVSAvoidoverhang

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution head is inverted from its conventional central position to a rear position on the frame, behind the sowing elements. This inversion resolves the accessibility problem by placing the distribution head in a zone that is easily reachable during both work and transport, while simultaneously reducing the overhang by keeping the frame and seeding units close to the tractor's three-point hitch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the frame is folded upwards for transport, then the transport gauge is respected, but the pipes do not follow the opening movement and must be released or reconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidpipe connection maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pipes are made dynamic by allowing them to follow the opening movement of the frame during folding. The pipes are routed and positioned such that they naturally accommodate the frame's folding motion, eliminating the need to release or reconnect them when transitioning between folded and working positions. This dynamic arrangement maintains pipe integrity while enabling easy transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the seeding units are moved to the rear to create space for the distribution head, then the distribution head becomes more accessible, but the overhang increases and a more powerful tractor is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to distribution headVSAvoidtractor power requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving seeding units to the rear, the distribution head is inverted to the rear position behind the sowing elements. This maintains the seeding units in their optimal position close to the tractor's three-point hitch, preserving balance and minimizing overhang, while still achieving excellent accessibility to the distribution head in the rear zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration reduces the overhang, enhances accessibility to the distribution head and pipes, improves tractor maneuverability, and maintains a stable center of gravity, facilitating safer transportation and operation while maintaining a wide working width.

Implementation Method 1

The lateral sections (4) are articulated on the central section (3) so as to be movable transversely and vertically with respect to the central section (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The seeder also carries out the distribution of fertilizer via buryers which are supplied by pipes connected to a distribution head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic transport:

Data Source

PatentEP2635103B1Single-seed seeder having a collapsible frame and at least one distribution head arranged at the rear of the seeder

Publication Date: 2016.01.20 KUHN SA

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a single-seed seeder (1) having a collapsible frame (2) consisting of a central section (3) arranged transversely relative to the working direction, and two side sections (4) hinged onto the central section (3), seeding elements (7) regularly distributed on said frame (2), said seeder (1) comprising injectors (9) for dispensing material and extending substantially in front of a respective seeding element (7), at least one distribution head (11), and pipes (12) connected to said at least one distribution head (11) and leading to said injectors (9). The seeder is characterised in that said at least one distribution head (11) is arranged at the rear of the seeder (1), behind said seeding elements (7) in the forward direction (A).