Singulating Disk Holes for Precise Granule Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed drills lack precision in distributing seeds, leading to suboptimal planting density, which can result in impaired crop yield due to uneven access to resources like water, space, light, and nutrients.
Innovation Solution
A singulating device with a rotatable singulating disk featuring through holes of tailored shape and size to allow individual granules to pass through one at a time, ensuring precise control over seed distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a common distributor is used to feed out granules, then a certain quantity of granules per unit area can be achieved, but the precision in seed distribution is insufficient leading to suboptimal planting density
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor disk is segmented into multiple through-holes of specific sizes and shapes, each hole acting as an independent singulating element. This segmentation allows individual granules to be picked up and released one at a time, ensuring precise spacing and uniform distribution across the seed bed, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If the distributor is connected directly to the seed box or via pipes, then seed distribution can be achieved, but the precision and control over seed quantity per unit area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the singulating function from the complex pipe-based distribution system and concentrates it in the distributor disk with through-holes. This simplifies the overall device structure while improving precision control, as the disk directly receives granules from the seed box and distributes them with precise spacing, eliminating the need for complex piping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor disk allows for easy adjustment of distribution parameters by changing the disk with different hole patterns, sizes, and arrangements. This enables precise control over seed quantity per unit area without modifying the basic device structure, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If granules are distributed using known distributors, then acceptable distribution is achieved given the cost and complexity, but the precision is not optimal for maximizing crop yield
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor disk is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The through-holes are created using standard drilling techniques, and the disk itself can be made from inexpensive materials. This allows for precise seed distribution without the high costs and complexities of sophisticated distribution systems, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of manufacture.
4Reliability
If the holes in the singulating disk are uniform in size, then consistent granule passage is achieved, but granules that are too large may cause the device to fill up
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor disk incorporates through-holes of different sizes and shapes in specific locations, creating local variations in the disk structure. This allows the device to handle granules of varying sizes effectively - smaller holes provide consistent passage for standard granules while larger holes prevent device filling when oversized granules are present, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
This document shows a device (1 ) for singulating granules, such as seed, fertilizer or herbicide, comprising a singulating disk (19) which has a plurality of through holes (191 ). The holes (191 ) are tailored in terms of shape and size to receive individual granules, and the shape and size of the holes (191 ) are such that the granules can only pass one at a time through each hole. The application also comprises an agricultural implement for feeding of granules and a method of singulating granules.