Seeder Head with Movable Hold Arms for Precision Seed Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for automating seed placement in industrial grow pods do not allow for precise and efficient seeding of seeds into cells of a tray coupled to a cart moving on a track, hindering the continuous operation of the grow pod.
Innovation Solution
A seeder head with a bore and movable hold arms actuated by actuators, controlled by a computing device, which allows for precise placement of seeds into cells without obstructing the cart's movement, using a mechanism that includes a seed dispenser and a vibrating mechanism to handle stuck seeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a machine is used to plant seeds into the ground, then automation is improved, but precision placement of seeds into cells of a tray coupled to a moving cart is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The seeder head is designed with movable hold arms that can dynamically adjust their position to precisely control seed release timing. The first hold arm moves to release the first seed, followed by the second hold arm releasing the second seed, allowing precise placement into individual cells while maintaining automation. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between automated operation and precision placement.
2Productivity
If seed placement speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but cart forward movement is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The seeder head operates using periodic action where the first hold arm and second hold arm sequentially release seeds at predetermined intervals. This rhythmic, periodic seed release mechanism allows for high-speed automated seeding without disrupting the continuous forward movement of the cart along the track, resolving the contradiction between seeding speed and cart movement speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If hold arms are used to control seed release, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seed release mechanism is segmented into two independent hold arms (first hold arm and second hold arm), each controlled by its own actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform a simple, well-defined function of holding and releasing seeds at specific times, achieving high precision placement while keeping individual component complexity low. The modular segmented design resolves the contradiction between precision and overall device complexity.
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 precise and efficient seeding of seeds into cells of a tray on a moving cart, ensuring continuous operation of the industrial grow pod by synchronizing seed placement with cart movement and addressing seed lodging issues.
Implementation Method 1
The first hold arm and the second hold arm are movable by the first actuator and the second actuator to selectively allow one or more of the plurality of seeds to fall under force of gravity to the distal opening of the bore
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for depositing plant seeds (500) are provided herein. Some embodiments include a seeder head (310) device that includes a body (312) having a proximal end (305, 312A) and a distal end (307, 312B) spaced a distance from the proximal end (305, 312A), a bore (314) extending through an interior of the body (312) from the proximal end (305, 312A) to the distal end (307, 312B), a first hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) disposed within the bore (314) and coupled to a first actuator (320A, 320B, 320), and a second hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) disposed within the bore (314) and coupled to a second actuator (320A, 320B, 320). The bore (314) includes a proximal opening (313) at the proximal end (305, 312A) and a distal opening (315) at the distal end (307, 312B), and is shaped and sized to receive seeds (500) at the proximal opening (313). The first hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) and the second hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) are movable to selectively allow one or more of the seeds (500) to fall under force of gravity (or other force) to the distal opening (315) of the bore (314). Devices, systems, and methods for depositing plant seeds (500) are provided herein. Some embodiments include a seeder head (310) device that includes a body (312) having a proximal end (305, 312A) and a distal end (307, 312B) spaced a distance from the proximal end (305, 312A), a bore (314) extending through an interior of the body (312) from the proximal end (305, 312A) to the distal end (307, 312B), a first hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) disposed within the bore (314) and coupled to a first actuator (320A, 320B, 320), and a second hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) disposed within the bore (314) and coupled to a second actuator (320A, 320B, 320). The bore (314) includes a proximal opening (313) at the proximal end (305, 312A) and a distal opening (315) at the distal end (307, 312B), and is shaped and sized to receive seeds (500) at the proximal opening (313). The first hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) and the second hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) are movable to selectively allow one or more of the seeds (500) to fall under force of gravity (or other force) to the distal opening (315) of the bore (314).