Variable Rate Air Metering System for Precision Seed Dispersal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seed dispersal systems in agricultural planters lack the ability to dynamically adjust seed distribution rates and enable/disable rows during operation, leading to inefficiencies such as excess planting and seed waste, particularly with varying seed populations and field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable rate air metering system incorporating seed meter cartridges with variable speed electric motors and a control system that allows for real-time adjustment of seed distribution rates and row unit enablement/disabling, ensuring precise and efficient seed dispersal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical transmission with drive tire is used to control seed dispersal rate, then the system is simple in structure, but the ability to adjust dispersal rate dynamically during operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static mechanical transmission system with a dynamic control system using electric motors that can independently adjust their speed during operation. Each seed meter cartridge is equipped with an electric motor whose rotational speed can be dynamically controlled via GPS and control system to change the dispersal rate in real-time based on field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical transmission system (drive tire contacting ground) with an electrical control system. Instead of using mechanical gear ratios and drive tire RPM to control seed flow, the system uses electric motors with electronic speed control, allowing for precise and flexible adjustment of dispersal rates without the constraints of mechanical transmission.
2Loss of substance
If fixed seed meter rotation speed is used, then the manufacturing and control are simple, but seed waste occurs when full planter width is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic control of each seed meter cartridge's rotation speed independently. When certain rows are not needed, the corresponding electric motors can be slowed down or stopped, preventing seed waste while maintaining operational flexibility to adjust to different field conditions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of seed meter rotation speed from fixed to variable. By controlling the electric motor speed parameter, the system can adjust the dispersal rate to match the actual planting requirements, reducing seed waste when full planter width is not utilized.
3Measurement precision
If all seed meters rotate at the same speed on hex axle, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the control precision for different sections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified hex axle rotation system into independent controlled units. Each seed meter cartridge is equipped with its own electric motor, allowing individual speed control for each section. This segmentation enables precise control of seed dispersal in different field zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor system provides multi-functionality by serving both as the primary drive mechanism and as a precision speed control device. Each motor can independently regulate the rotation speed of its associated seed meter cartridge, enabling differentiated control precision for various sections while using the same type of actuator throughout the system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical transmission system is used, then the system is reliable with fewer electronic components, but the ability to respond to GPS-based precision farming requirements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the GPS-unresponsive mechanical transmission system with an electronically controlled system that can receive and process GPS data. The electric motors and control system enable integration with GPS-based precision farming requirements, allowing the planter to adjust seed dispersal rates based on location-specific field data while managing electronic control complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable rate air metering system is provided. The system includes seed meter cartridges, each having a housing, a meter wheel, and a variable speed electric motor operatively connected to the seed meter cartridge. The seed meter cartridges provide flowable material to distribution manifolds, which are configured to distribute flowable material to multiple row outputs for deposition into a field. A control system is configured to control operation of the distribution manifolds for enabling/disabling dispersement of flowable material to row units. The control system is also configured to adjust the dispersement rate of flowable material by the seed meter cartridges in association with the opening/disabling the dispersement of flowable material to row outputs.