Singulator Metering Member with Multi-Row Holes and Interference Ridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current singulators used in seeders for densely planted crops lack precision in seed distribution, as they are not optimized for the higher seed density requirements of crops like wheat, oat, and barley, and existing solutions like brushes in planters tend to remove too many seeds, leading to an inconsistent output.
Innovation Solution
A singulating device with a metering member featuring multiple rows of through holes and an excess material pickup prevention device, such as a continuous ridge or interference device, that operates only between the rows to prevent excessive seed removal, utilizing a pressurization system and a controller with a material sensor to ensure accurate seed delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If brushes are used to prevent excessive seeds from being carried by the metering member, then seed distribution precision is improved, but too many seeds are removed from the metering member
Solution Approach 1:
The interference device is designed to operate only in the area radially between the rows of holes, creating a localized intervention zone. This ensures that seeds properly attached to the metering member at the holes are not affected, while only preventing excessive seeds stuck between rows from being carried, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and seed quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering member presents multiple rows of through holes arranged in parallel, dividing the seed distribution function into separate rows. The interference device then selectively acts between these rows, allowing precise control over seed carry without affecting seeds properly positioned at the holes.
2Measurement precision
If planters' singulators are used for densely planted crops, then individual seed control is achieved, but the capacity to achieve optimum density for densely planted crops is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The metering member is configured with multiple rows of through holes extending in parallel along the direction of movement, adding a radial dimension to seed distribution. This multi-row configuration increases the capacity to handle densely planted crops while maintaining individual seed control through the selective action of the interference device between rows.
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
The solution ensures precise and controlled seed output by reducing the risk of seed removal beyond the desired amount, improving seed distribution accuracy and efficiency in seeders for densely planted crops.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurization device is arranged for providing a pressure difference across the metering member, sufficient to cause granules of the material to attach to the metering member at the holes
Data Source
AI summary
A singulating device (171) for singulating granular material in an agricultural implement comprises a metering member (1714), which is movably arranged in a meter chamber (1710) and which presents a plurality of through holes (1715, 1715a, 1715b), which are arranged along a direction of movement of the metering member (1714). The through holes (1715, 1715a, 1715b) are provided as at least one first row of holes and at least one second row of holes (1715, 1715a, 1715b), said rows of holes extending in parallel along the direction of movement. The rows of holes (1715, 1715a, 1715b) are spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. The singulating device (171) is connectable to a pressurization device (16), for providing a pressure difference across the metering member (1714), sufficient to cause granules of the material to attach to the metering member (1714) at the holes (1715, 1715a, 1715b). The singulating device comprises an excess material pickup prevention device (17161, 17162, 17163). The excess material pickup prevention device (17161, 17162, 17163) is operable only in an area radially between said rows of holes (1715a, 1715b). There is disclosed an agricultural implement comprising such singulating device and a method of operating a singulating device.