Static Distributor for Even Particulate Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural product delivery systems face inefficiencies in evenly distributing particulate materials like seed, fertilizer, and pesticides across various distribution channels and nozzles due to differences in material types and operational changes, leading to uneven application and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic and mechanical conveying system with a static distributor that uses longitudinal tubes and baffles to evenly distribute particulate materials across distribution lines and nozzles without moving parts, simplifying construction and operation while minimizing pressure drop and material damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating metering element is used to distribute particulate material, then the material can be metered from tanks into distribution channels, but the distribution becomes uneven due to different material types and operational changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating mechanical metering element with a pneumatic system using pressurized air to convey and distribute particulate material through distribution channels. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity and uneven distribution caused by rotating elements, as the pneumatic system can evenly distribute different types of particulate materials (seeds, fertilizer, pesticides) without mechanical contact or rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic conveying system where pressurized air flows through distribution channels to carry and distribute particulate material uniformly across multiple nozzles. The pneumatic system maintains consistent material concentration and distribution regardless of material type, resolving the uneven distribution problem associated with mechanical metering elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex distribution mechanisms are used to achieve even material distribution, then distribution uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distribution mechanisms with a simpler pneumatic system. The distribution uniformity is achieved through pneumatic pressure and flow dynamics rather than complex mechanical metering and routing mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic distribution system serves multiple functions: it conveys material from tanks, meters the material flow, and distributes it uniformly across multiple nozzles. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate complex mechanical metering and distribution mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If vertical distributors are used to distribute particulate material, then material can be conveyed through the system, but pressure drop increases and material damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical distributor configuration by using horizontal distribution channels that extend from the product supply chamber to applicators. This inversion eliminates the vertical drop and associated high pressure losses, while maintaining effective material conveyance and distribution capability across the agricultural implement.
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 system ensures efficient and even distribution of particulate materials across multiple nozzles, reducing operational complexity and maintaining low pressure drop, allowing for seamless switching between different applicator equipment without major adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The pneumatic and/or mechanical conveying system employs longitudinal tubes or conduits that operate pneumatically with a pressurized air flow to move and mix the particulate material
Implementation Method 2
The static distributor includes internal structures that effectively divert the incoming particulate material evenly across the interior of the static distributor such that the particulate material is evenly distributed into each of the distribution lines
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product mechanical and/or pneumatic conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes a static distributor interconnecting the supply lines of the conveying system with the distribution lines connected to the individual nozzles. The static distributor includes internal structures that effectively divert the incoming particulate material evenly across the interior of the static distributor such that the particulate material is evenly distributed into each of the distribution lines. The static distributor accomplishes this without the need for any moving parts or control systems/devices. In addition, damage done to the particulate material flowing through the distributor is not high, and the operation of the distributor creates a lower pressure drop across the distributor than prior art vertical distributors.