Compact Seeding Module Pivot Inversion for Single-Pass Sowing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for combined agricultural machines that integrate a soil work machine and a sowing machine with optimized and more versatile structures, particularly to accommodate species like corn that require individualized sowing, and to reduce working time and seed drying time.

Innovation Solution

A combined agricultural machine is designed with a compact sowing module that includes a monograine sowing element, where the axis of the high front pivot is arranged at the front of a vertical plane passing through the most rear point of the hanging support, allowing for reduced length and improved compactness of the sowing module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the axis of the upper front pivot is disposed under a vertical plane passing through the lower point of the attachment support, then the structural stability is improved, but the length of the seeding module increases and compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidlength of seeding module
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the upper front pivot axis in front of the vertical plane passing through the rearmost point of the attachment support, rather than behind it. This inversion allows the seeding module to achieve compactness while maintaining structural stability through the specific geometric relationships defined in the patent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes spatial dimensionality by carefully positioning the pivot axes in three-dimensional space. The upper front pivot axis is placed in front of a vertical plane passing through the rearmost point of the attachment support, creating an optimized spatial configuration that reduces the longitudinal length of the seeding module while preserving structural integrity.

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

2Productivity

If a conventional seed drill module is used for row sowing, then the machine can prepare soil and plant seeds in a single pass, but it cannot accommodate species like corn that require individualized sowing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle pass operationVSAvoidspecies adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal seeding module that can accommodate both row sowing and individualized sowing of different species. The module's design with adjustable parameters and configurable seeding elements allows it to perform multiple functions - maintaining the productivity benefit of single-pass operation while gaining the versatility to handle various crop types including corn, soybeans, and other species with different sowing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a mounted precision seeder with multiple seeding units is used for individualized sowing, then species like corn can be sown properly, but the machine cannot benefit from single-pass soil preparation and sowing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividualized sowing capabilityVSAvoidsingle pass operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the capabilities of soil preparation and precision individualized sowing into a single integrated module. The seeding module is designed to be mounted on a soil preparation machine, combining the functions of tillage and precision seeding in one unit. This allows the machine to perform both soil preparation and individualized sowing in a single pass, eliminating the need for separate operations while maintaining species-specific sowing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the seeding module is made longer to accommodate heavier sowing elements, then more versatile operation is achieved, but the machine's compactness and maneuverability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesowing element capacityVSAvoidseeding module length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the seeding module, specifically the position of the upper front pivot axis relative to the attachment support. By changing these spatial parameters, the module achieves a compact configuration that can accommodate heavier sowing elements without increasing the overall length, thereby maintaining maneuverability while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3530094B1Seeding element for agricultural implement and combined agricultural machine having such element
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 KUHN SA
  • EP3530094B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3530094B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a seeding module for a combined agricultural machine, the seeding module (7) comprising a precision seeding unit (14) and a frame (13), the precision seeding unit comprising a deformable mechanism (50), the deformable mechanism having two arms (52, 53), a front post (54) and two front pivots (57, 58), each of the two arms being connected to the front post by a respective front pivot, the frame having a mounting bracket (60), the front post being mounted to the mounting bracket. The axis of the upper front pivot (58) is disposed under a horizontal plane (Hb) passing through the lower point of the mounting bracket.