Seeding Unit Common Articulation for Furrow Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seeding units face issues with inconsistent furrow closure, leading to seed exposure and irregular emergence, especially in challenging conditions such as curves and slopes, due to the increased distance between the seed drop point and the reconsolidation device when equipped with a press wheel and closing discs.

Innovation Solution

The press wheel and closing discs are fixed on a common articulation with a horizontal axis, reducing the distance between the seed drop point and the reconsolidation device, ensuring consistent furrow closure and reducing the overall length of the seeding unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a press wheel and closing discs are mounted on a seeding unit, then seed placement in humid environment and furrow covering are improved, but the distance between seed drop point and reconsolidation device increases causing inconsistent furrow closure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefurrow covering consistencyVSAvoiddistance between seed drop point and reconsolidation device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the press wheel and closing discs onto a single common articulation point, merging two previously separate mounting locations into one. This reduces the overall distance between the seed drop point and reconsolidation device while maintaining the functionality of both the press wheel (for placing seeds in humid environment) and closing discs (for covering seeds with fine soil), thereby ensuring consistent furrow closure even on curves and slopes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If press wheel and closing discs are mounted separately on the seeding unit, then each component can be adjusted independently, but the number of component parts increases and furrow closure consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of component parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mounting of the press wheel and closing discs onto a single common articulation point, reducing the number of separate mounting locations and component parts. This simplification maintains adjustability while improving furrow closure consistency by ensuring both components work in coordination at a unified position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common articulation point serves multiple functions: it supports both the press wheel and closing discs, provides a unified mounting location, and enables coordinated operation of both components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the adaptability needed for different soil conditions.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the seeding unit is equipped with press wheel and closing discs, then seed burial quality improves, but furrow closure becomes irregular especially on curves and slopes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseed burial qualityVSAvoidfurrow closure uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the press wheel and closing discs at a common articulation point, the patent ensures that both components operate from a unified position, which improves furrow closure uniformity. This is particularly beneficial when operating on curves and slopes, as the reduced distance and coordinated operation prevent the irregular closure that occurred when components were mounted separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3008987B1Seeding unit with a tamping wheel and closing discs and seed drill equipped with such a seeding unit
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 KUHN SA
  • EP3008987B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3008987B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3008987B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a seeding unit (1) comprising a support (2) on which are mounted a seeding system (5), a depth control device (6), a press wheel (7), a press wheel (15), and closing discs (16), the press wheel (15) and the closing discs (16) extending between the seeding system (5) and the press wheel (7). The seeding unit (1) is notable in that the press wheel (15) and the closing discs (16) are fixed on a common horizontal joint (20). The invention also relates to a seed drill (30) comprising a frame (31) on which at least one seeding unit (1) is distributed.