Segmented Air Entrainer Pressure Control for Uniform Seed Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural implements face inefficiencies in delivering particulate material, such as seed, from bulk hoppers to individual row units due to the use of a single fan or blower, which results in varying distances and pressure requirements for distribution, especially at higher speeds.

Innovation Solution

An integrated pneumatic pressure source is provided for each segment or subset of segments in the air entrainment system, allowing for on-demand control of airflow to individual row units, using electric fans and flow control valves to optimize distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single fan or blower is used to provide pneumatic pressure for delivering particulate material to each row unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the efficiency of seed delivery decreases due to varying distances and pressure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of pneumatic pressure sourcesVSAvoidefficiency of seed delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air entrainment system is divided into multiple segments, with each segment having its own integrated pneumatic pressure source (electric fan). This segmentation allows each row unit to receive optimized pneumatic pressure independently, improving seed delivery efficiency while accounting for varying distances from the bulk hopper to each row unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single centralized pneumatic pressure source is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the adaptability to different planting speeds and distances is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of pneumatic systemVSAvoidresponse to varying planting conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each segment of the air entrainment system is equipped with its own pneumatic pressure source and flow control valve, allowing local adjustment of airflow characteristics. This enables the system to adapt to varying planting speeds and distances specific to each row unit, rather than using a uniform centralized pressure source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates flow control valves that can dynamically adjust the amount of airflow to each row unit based on real-time planting conditions, planting speed, and distance requirements, making the pneumatic system adaptable and responsive to varying operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If integrated pneumatic pressure sources are provided for each segment, then the adaptability and efficiency improve, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of seed deliveryVSAvoidnumber of integrated components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic pressure source (electric fan) and flow control valve are integrated directly into each segment of the air entrainment system, combining multiple functions into unified modular units. This integration improves seed delivery speed and efficiency while managing component complexity through systematic consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Use of energy by stationary object

If a single fan serves all row units, then the energy consumption is lower, but the uniformity of seed distribution deteriorates due to varying distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumption of pneumatic systemVSAvoiduniformity of seed distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows independent adjustment of pneumatic pressure and airflow parameters for each segment through integrated flow control valves. This enables optimization of seed distribution uniformity for each row unit based on its specific distance from the bulk hopper, rather than using fixed parameters from a single centralized fan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances the efficiency and speed of seed delivery by reducing energy consumption, facilitating maintenance, and ensuring uniform distribution across a wider range of planting speeds and distances, while maintaining operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

An integrated, electric fluid pressure source for each segment or subset of segments in the air entrainment system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

air entrainment device for seed delivery that utilizes an air permeable surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir entrainment: Entrainment

Data Source

PatentUS12484471B2Integrated air entrainer segment air source

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 KINZE MFG INC

AI summary

The pressure of a fluid passing through several air entrainers can be controlled so as to more effectively move particulate material from one or more bulk hoppers to an end location. This is accomplished through use of an integrated, electric fluid pressure source, such as a fan in one or more of the segments. The pressure can be increased based upon a speed of an agricultural implement or a weight of the particulate material and/or the pneumatic flow can compensate for distance the seed must travel before planting. The entrainer can thus be installed with a high speed planting implement, thereby reducing downtime and facilitating repair.