Trailer-Based Seed Devitalization and Weighing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for processing harvested crops lack efficient methods for weighing and devitalizing seeds, particularly in scenarios where the devitalized material needs to be returned to the fields.
Innovation Solution
A trailer-based system that includes a hopper for seed collection, a mill for devitalization, a spreader for distributing devitalized seeds back to the field, and a scale system for weighing the seeds, all interconnected by transport assemblies to facilitate seamless processing and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seeds are collected and processed at the field location using a trailer-based system, then the efficiency of weighing and devitalization is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple interconnected components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple seed processing functions (weighing, devitalization, and distribution) into a single integrated trailer-based system. The hopper, mill, spreader, and scale system are interconnected to work together as one unified device, allowing all processing steps to occur at the field location without requiring separate equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer-based system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collects seeds in the hopper, weighs them using the scale system, devitalizes them through the mill, and redistributes them via the spreader. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each processing step, improving overall productivity while managing system complexity through integrated design.
2Reliability
If a complete trailer-based processing system is deployed at the field, then seed contamination risk is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex setup and management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules (hopper for collection, mill for devitalization, spreader for distribution, and scale system for weighing), each performing a specific task. This segmentation allows for specialized design of each component while maintaining overall system integration, making the complex system more manageable and easier to operate by clearly defining the function of each part.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained and mobile, requiring no external infrastructure or additional equipment to function. The trailer-based design allows the entire processing system to be transported to and operated at any field location independently, reducing the need for external support services and simplifying operational logistics despite the system's complexity.
3Loss of time
If seeds are devitalized and returned to the field immediately, then the loss of time is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of the devitalization process becomes more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs devitalization immediately after seed collection at the field location, eliminating the time delay associated with transporting seeds to remote processing facilities. The mill is positioned and operated right at the field, allowing preliminary devitalization action to occur before seeds are redistributed, thus minimizing time loss while maintaining process control through the integrated design.
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 enables efficient weighing and devitalization of seeds, allowing for their effective return to the fields, thereby preventing seed transport and reducing the risk of seed contamination and buildup.
Implementation Method 1
a mill configured to devitalize the seeds held in the hopper
Implementation Method 2
a scale system associated with the trailer and configured to measure a weight of the seeds in the hopper
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for processing seeds collected from a field. One example system includes a trailer supporting a hopper configured to hold seeds to be devitalized, a mill configured to devitalize the seeds held in the hopper, and a spreader configured to discharge the devitalized seeds from the system. A first transport assembly interconnects the hopper and the mill, on the trailer, to transport the seeds from the hopper to the mill. And, a second transport assembly interconnects the mill and the spreader, on the trailer, to transport the devitalized seeds from the mill to the spreader.