Two-Stage Bulk Transfer for Agricultural Seeder Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural product distribution systems face issues such as clogging, uneven distribution, and the need for frequent refilling due to heavy weight and long conduit lengths, leading to operational delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage bulk transfer system using miniature pressurized tanks (mini tanks) positioned between bulk tanks and metering assemblies, with a continuous transfer process controlled by level sensors and air streams to ensure uninterrupted supply, reducing weight on the central frame and enabling on-demand distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large pressurized product tanks are mounted on the central frame adjacent to metering assemblies, then continuous product supply to metering assemblies is achieved, but the heavy weight requires a heavy wide frame and tracks, reducing ease of operation and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the product storage function into two segments: large non-pressurized bulk tanks mounted on a separate tow-behind cart, and small pressurized mini-tanks mounted on the central frame adjacent to metering assemblies. The bulk tanks provide bulk storage capacity, while the mini-tanks provide continuous localized supply to metering assemblies through pressurized conduits, eliminating the need for heavy large pressurized tanks on the central frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The small pressurized mini-tanks act as intermediary storage devices between the large bulk tanks on the tow-behind cart and the metering assemblies on the central frame. These mini-tanks receive product from the bulk tanks via non-pressurized conduits and then deliver it continuously to metering assemblies through pressurized conduits, decoupling the bulk storage function from the continuous supply function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If long conduits are used to carry product from bulk tanks to metering assemblies, then product can be delivered to multiple rows, but efficiency drops off as conduit length increases, requiring frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides locally pressurized product delivery at each mini-tank location adjacent to metering assemblies. Each mini-tank is equipped with its own pressurization system (air source and Venturi assembly) that delivers product at high pressure directly to the connected metering assemblies, ensuring consistent transfer efficiency regardless of the number of rows served.
3Ease of operation
If product tanks are positioned far from metering assemblies to improve weight distribution, then mobility is enhanced, but conduit length increases causing efficiency drop-off
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the product delivery function into two stages: non-pressurized bulk transfer from tow-behind cart tanks to central frame mini-tanks, and pressurized localized delivery from mini-tanks to metering assemblies. This segmentation allows the bulk tanks to be positioned optimally for weight distribution while maintaining high transfer efficiency at the point of use through local pressurization.
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 provides continuous and even distribution of agricultural products to multiple metering assemblies, reducing the need for frequent refilling and allowing for larger bulk tanks, thus enhancing operational efficiency and ease of movement.
Implementation Method 1
Each mini tank is in fluid communication with a first air source via a first air source manifold, wherein a first air stream generated by the first air source is pushed through a plurality of vents in the mini tank so as to entrain the agricultural product in the first air stream and thereby carry the entrained agricultural product through the plurality of pick-up nozzles
Implementation Method 2
Each pickup nozzle is coupled to a metering conduit for conveying the agricultural product from the mini tank to at least one metering assembly of the array of metering assemblies. A second air source is in fluid communication with a point of constriction of each said Venturi assembly, the second air source generating a second air stream pushed through a second air manifold, a second air source conduit and the point of constriction of each said Venturi assembly of each said pickup nozzle so as to combine with the first air stream and thereby accelerate the entrained agricultural product
Data Source
AI summary
An improved bulk transfer system for an agricultural seeder or planter breaks up the central fill system into two stages for supplying a plurality of agricultural products simultaneously to an array of metering pods, each pod containing a plurality of metering assemblies. Firstly, there is a continuous transfer of agricultural product from a trailing product cart to intermediate mini tanks mounted on a central frame and located adjacent the seeding drills and plurality of metering assemblies. The pressurized mini tanks receive agricultural products on demand. Secondly, agricultural products are transferred on demand from the mini tanks to each of the corresponding metering assemblies along the seeding drill. This arrangement enables redistribution of the weight of the bulk of the product farther away from the seeding drills, allowing for greater tow-behind product volumes.