Small Seed Counting System Using Mechanical Measuring Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed counting systems for small seeds, such as wheat and spices, face limitations in image capturing capabilities, complexity, and high manufacturing costs, making them inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A small seed counting system featuring a hopper with a discharge opening, vertical rail, and gate assemblies controlled by cylinders to adjust the volume of a measuring chamber, allowing for precise counting and economical manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photo electric sensors and imaging software are used for seed counting, then counting capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the counting function from complex imaging systems and isolates it to a simple mechanical measuring chamber with gates. The chamber volume is precisely calibrated to hold a specific number of seeds, eliminating the need for photo electric sensors, cameras, and image processing software while maintaining accurate counting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex electronic sensing systems with inexpensive mechanical components - a measuring chamber, gates, and cylinders. These simple mechanical parts are much cheaper to manufacture and easier to maintain than photo electric sensors and imaging systems.
2Productivity
If photo electric sensors and imaging software are used for seed counting, then counting capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive electronic components (photo electric sensors, cameras, processors) and retains only the essential counting function through a mechanically calibrated chamber. This extraction dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while preserving the core counting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive mechanical parts - a chamber, gates, and cylinders - that are far cheaper to manufacture than electronic sensing systems. The simplicity of these components makes the overall system much more economical to produce.
3Measurement precision
If gate assemblies with cylinders are used to control seed flow, then counting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seed flow control into discrete segments using gates that can be independently positioned. The measuring chamber is segmented from the hopper and discharge is segmented through controlled gate operation. This segmentation allows precise control of seed flow while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gates are made movable through cylinder actuation, allowing the system to dynamically adjust between different counting modes. The gates can move between open and closed positions to control seed flow timing, providing precision without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A small seed counting system includes a hopper mounted to a frame and having an open top and a discharge opening. Also connected to the frame is a vertical rail. Mounted to the vertical rail are a first and a second gate assemblies. Each gate assembly has a horizontal support member with an aperture. The gate assemblies also each have a measuring tube that are slidably and telescopically connected to form a measuring chamber.