Venturi Seed Induction in Convertible Sprayer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for seeding cover or relay crops into existing primary crop canopies face challenges such as uneven seed distribution, seed loss due to wind, and damage to the main crop, particularly in northern climates with short growing seasons.

Innovation Solution

A modified agricultural sprayer with a granular applicator and seed metering device, incorporating venturi inductors and seeding valves, allows for concurrent seeding and spraying, ensuring even seed distribution and penetration through the existing crop canopy by immersing seeds in a liquid spray stream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If polymer coating is used on cover crop seeds to delay emergence, then the main crop can grow without competition, but the polymer thickness varies and does not allow adequate time for the main crop to establish

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime delay for cover crop emergenceVSAvoiduniformity of polymer coating thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses liquid fertilizer as an intermediary carrier to transport cover crop seeds through the spray system. The seeds are suspended in the liquid fertilizer solution, allowing them to be delivered uniformly through existing spray nozzles without requiring precise polymer coating thickness control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the hydraulic spray system to deliver seeds uniformly across the field. By injecting seeds into the liquid fertilizer stream and using the spray pump pressure, the system achieves consistent seed distribution without relying on variable polymer coating thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If helicopter seeding is used to plant the second crop over the primary crop, then seeding can occur over existing crops, but seed loss from wind and inaccurate placement lead to poor plant stands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to seed over existing crop canopyVSAvoidseed loss from wind

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid fertilizer acts as an intermediary that captures and transports seeds directly to the target location. This eliminates wind exposure during seed transport, preventing seed loss while maintaining the ability to seed through the crop canopy using the existing spray boom infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic spray system provides controlled delivery of seeds through the crop canopy. The pressurized liquid stream penetrates the canopy and deposits seeds accurately at the intended location, eliminating the wind-related inaccuracies of helicopter seeding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Quantity of substance

If seeds are mixed with liquid fertilizer, then even distribution should be achieved, but differences in specific gravity cause seeds to float or settle, leading to uneven distribution and clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform distribution of seedsVSAvoiduniform suspension of seeds in liquid

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic agitation or pulsing of the liquid fertilizer stream to keep seeds suspended uniformly. This periodic disturbance prevents seeds from settling or floating to the surface, maintaining stable suspension throughout the spray system and ensuring even distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts flow parameters (pressure, velocity) of the liquid fertilizer stream to maintain optimal seed suspension. By controlling the hydraulic parameters, the system overcomes the specific gravity differences between seeds and liquid, preventing separation and clogging while ensuring uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables efficient and even seeding of cover or relay crops, reducing seed loss and damage to the main crop, with improved germination rates and soil nitrogen enrichment.

Implementation Method 1

a venturi located at each connection between each seed line and each liquid discharge line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230320255A1Cover cropping device and method

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 WEST ROBERT ALAN

AI summary

A convertible sprayer and seeder is provided, including a liquids tank; one or more liquid discharge lines leading from the liquids tank to one or more nozzles, said nozzles being arranged along booms extending from the sprayer; a seed metering applicator; one or more seed lines, each connected from the seed metering applicator to each of said one or more liquid discharge lines; a venturi located at each connection between each seed line and each liquid discharge line; a spraying bypass mechanism associated with each of said one or more liquid discharge lines; and a seeding valve associated with each connection between the one or more seed lines and the one or more liquid discharge lines. When the seeding valve is closed the bypass mechanism allows spraying and when the seeding valve is opened, the bypass mechanism allows seeding. A method of seeding a cover or relay crop is also provided.