Segmented Metering Roller for Independent Granular Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural distribution machines require complex and space-consuming systems for controlling the distribution of granular materials like seed and fertilizer, as they need to activate or deactivate partial widths and adjust application quantities independently, which is not efficiently achieved with current dosing devices.

Innovation Solution

A dosing device featuring a rotating cell roller or metering roller divided into two sections, each with its own drive unit for independent speed control, allowing for variable adjustment of material quantity and simplified activation/deactivation of partial widths, integrated into a common housing with separate line systems and adjustable flaps for flexible distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate dosing device is provided for each partial width to enable independent activation and deactivation, then the control flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing device is divided into multiple dosing units, each corresponding to a specific partial width. Each dosing unit can be independently activated or deactivated through individual dosing control, enabling flexible control of material distribution across different sections without requiring separate devices for each partial width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dosing device is designed with multiple dosing units that can selectively distribute material to different partial widths. This multi-functional design allows a single dosing device to handle various distribution patterns and application rates across multiple sections, replacing the need for multiple separate dosing devices.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate dosing device is provided for each partial width, then the independent control capability is improved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple dosing units are merged into a single integrated dosing device structure. The dosing units are arranged side-by-side or in a compact configuration within one housing, allowing independent control of each partial width while sharing common structural elements and reducing overall installation space compared to separate dosing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dosing units are arranged in a spatial configuration that optimizes space utilization. By organizing the dosing units along the width of the device and utilizing vertical space, the design achieves independent control capability for multiple partial widths without proportionally increasing the footprint area.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If each dosing unit has independent drive speed control, then the application quantity adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication quantity adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each dosing unit is equipped with an independent drive mechanism that allows variable speed control. This dynamic capability enables each dosing unit to adjust its rotation speed independently, providing flexible control over material distribution quantity for each partial width while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through standardized drive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3662733B1Agricultural distribution machine and dosing device for agricultural distributor
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 HORSCH MASCHEN
  • EP3662733B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3662733B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3662733B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A metering device (10) for metering granular material, such as seeds, fertilizer, or the like, for an agricultural spreading machine is disclosed. The metering device is formed by a rotating cell roller or metering roller (12, 12'). In particular, it is provided that the rotating cell roller or metering roller (12, 12') is divided into at least two sections, each of which can lead into a separate connecting line of a line system (42) leading to two or more distribution units.