Seeder Pneumatic Distribution with Foldable Lateral Sections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seeders face limitations in achieving a large working width with precise product distribution due to the width of the hopper, which restricts the number of product introduction elements and compromises stability and loading height during transport.

Innovation Solution

The metering devices are grouped in at least two longitudinal rows, and the injectors are arranged in at least one transverse row, allowing for precise distribution to a large number of elements and simplifying the installation of delivery lines, while the hopper's longitudinal arrangement maintains stability and reduces the center of gravity during folding and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the hopper width is increased to accommodate more metering devices, then the number of product introduction elements increases, but the device exceeds authorized road travel width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of product introduction elementsVSAvoidhopper width
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the product distribution function by using multiple metering devices arranged in rows, allowing the hopper to maintain a compact width while serving multiple product introduction elements through strategic positioning of metering units and injectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-row metering arrangement to a multi-row configuration, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the hopper to accommodate additional metering devices without increasing the lateral width, thus resolving the contradiction between quantity and width

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

2Ease of operation

If the hopper is positioned higher above the frame, then loading height is reduced, but the center of gravity increases compromising stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading heightVSAvoidcenter of gravity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral sections are designed to be foldable and movable, transitioning between a working position extended perpendicular to the frame and a transport position folded forward against the frame, allowing the system to adapt its configuration for different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hopper is positioned in the longitudinal dimension rather than increasing lateral width, and the folding mechanism operates in a different spatial plane, allowing the center of gravity to be managed while maintaining operational height advantages

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

3Ease of manufacture

If delivery lines are routed through the lateral sections, then connection to injectors is simplified, but the lines are vulnerable to damage during folding maneuvers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoiddelivery line protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery lines are pre-routed through the central section and connected to injectors positioned in the central section, avoiding the need for lines to pass through vulnerable lateral sections during folding operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The central section acts as an intermediary zone where delivery lines can be safely routed and connected, serving as a protected pathway that avoids the mechanical stress of folding while maintaining connectivity to product introduction elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables a wider working width with precise product distribution, improved stability, and reduced loading height, ensuring efficient operation and transport without damaging the delivery lines during folding maneuvers.

Implementation Method 1

Each element for introducing product into the ground is supplied with product by the hopper by means of a metering device, an injector and a delivery line. The transport of the product is carried out pneumatically towards the elements for introducing the product into the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic transport: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2389794B1Seeder with pneumatic distribution
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 KUHN SA
  • EP2389794B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2389794B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2389794B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The seeder (1) has a longitudinal frame (2) carrying a hopper (3) that contains a product e.g. manure, and a cross beam (4) on which product introduction elements are distributed. The product introduction elements introduce the product into ground (5). The cross beam is equipped with two side sections (7) extending on both sides from a central section (6) to work and extending in parallel to the frame for transport. Choker plates (8) are gathered in longitudinal lines (14, 15). Injectors (9) are gathered in transverse lines (16, 17).