Sowing Machine Mulch Cutting via Seed-Linked Sensor Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sowing machines are not suitable for use on terrain treated with mulching, as they damage the protective cover cloth and introduce inaccuracies in seed placement due to blade interaction with the mulch, leading to compromised alignment and protection.

Innovation Solution

A sowing machine with integrated mulching means and cutting mechanisms that extend and cut the cover cloth precisely at the seed placement site, using sensors and a logic control unit to synchronize the cutting process with seed distribution, ensuring accurate and undisturbed mulch coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a blade is used to form a rectilinear groove in the ground, then seeds can be distributed in the groove, but the blade damages the cover cloth when used on mulched terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover cloth is extended on the ground before sowing operations begin. The cutting means then create through openings in the already-positioned cover cloth at the exact locations where seeds will be deposited, preventing damage to the cover cloth while enabling proper seed placement in mulched terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sowing machine is divided into distinct functional modules: sowing means for seed distribution, mulching means for cover cloth extension, and cutting means for creating through openings. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with or damaging other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If distribution spouts are inserted into the ground to lay seeds, then seeds can be deposited on mulched terrain, but the cover cloth is broken irregularly and protective capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover cloth is extended and positioned on the ground before the sowing operation. The cutting means then create through openings at the precise locations where seeds will be deposited, ensuring the cover cloth remains intact and maintains its protective function while enabling seed placement on mulched terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting means act as an intermediary between the sowing means and the cover cloth, creating controlled through openings that allow seeds to pass through while maintaining the overall integrity and protective capacity of the cover cloth structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If cutting means are placed upstream with respect to mulching means, then cover cloth can be extended on sown ground, but through openings cannot be made at exact seed positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A logic control unit receives information from sensor means that detect seed passage, processes this information to determine the exact positions of deposited seeds, and uses this feedback to control the cutting means to create through openings at the precise locations where seeds have been deposited, ensuring perfect alignment between through openings and seeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces purely mechanical synchronization with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect seed positions and a logic control unit to calculate and trigger cutting actions at the exact right moments, achieving precise alignment without mechanical coupling between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If two blades face each other to cut the cover cloth, then through openings can be made, but the blades must be lifted from the ground to avoid abutting, reducing precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensor means to detect and record the exact positions of seeds as they are deposited, then uses this information to guide the cutting means to create through openings at the identical positions, effectively copying the seed pattern onto the cover cloth with high precision without requiring blade lifting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3815494B1Sowing machine for distributing seeds on the ground and method for operating said machine

Publication Date: 2022.07.06

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AI summary

Sowing machine for distributing seeds on the ground, which comprises sowing means (3) adapted to distribute a plurality of seeds (S) on the ground and mulching means (5) mounted downstream with respect to the sowing means (3) in order to extend a cover cloth (6) on the sown ground. The sowing machine also comprises sensor means (4), associated with the sowing means (3) and adapted to detect the passage of the seeds (S) which are distributed on the ground, cutting means (7) of the cover cloth (6), mounted downstream of the mulching means (5) and in proximity to the ground in order to make a plurality of through openings (61) in the cover cloth (6) extended in abutment on the sown ground, and a logic control unit (8) operatively connected to the sensor means (4) and to the cutting means (7) and configured to drive the latter to make the through openings (61) in areas of the cover cloth (6) extended at the seeds (S) distributed on the ground.