Vibrational Seed-Double Eliminator for Seeding Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Seed doubles, where multiple seeds are captured by a single portion of a seed meter, pose a challenge in seed transport devices, as they can lead to improper planting or processing, necessitating a mechanism to eliminate them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vibrational seed-double eliminator is integrated into the seeding machine, featuring a vibration strip along the seed path that causes seeds to vibrate, dislodging seed doubles while retaining single seeds, using protrusions, ridges, or recesses, and an automated vibration device to impart motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a vibration strip is added to eliminate seed doubles, then seed delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration strip that contacts seeds during transport. The vibration causes seeds to shift position, allowing less firmly secured seeds (seed doubles) to be dislodged while firmly secured single seeds remain in place. This directly addresses the technical contradiction by using vibration to improve seed delivery accuracy while adding a relatively simple mechanical component.
2Reliability
If a vibration strip with protrusions is used to remove seed doubles, then seed path cleanliness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration strip is segmented into multiple protrusions or ridges that can be independently formed. This segmentation allows the complex surface geometry to be created through standardized molding or machining processes, making the manufacturing complexity manageable while achieving the reliability benefit of effective seed double elimination.
3Productivity
If automated vibration device is integrated, then seed double elimination effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static seed transport system to a dynamic one by incorporating an automated vibration device. The vibration can be activated and deactivated as needed, and its intensity can be adjusted to match different seed types and conditions. This dynamic capability improves elimination effectiveness while the automated control reduces the need for manual intervention.
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 vibrational seed-double eliminator effectively removes seed doubles from the seed path, ensuring individual seed delivery by causing less firmly secured multiple seeds to be released, without affecting single seeds, thus improving seed meter efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the vibration strip causes the seed to vibrate, thereby removing from the seed path one or more seeds of a seed double
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vibrational seed-double eliminator for a seeding machine (10) that is configured to move seed (80) along a seed path (82) from a seed pool (60) to a release position (62) is disclosed. The vibrational seed-double eliminator comprising: a vibration strip (90, 90a, 90b) extending along the seed path (82) along the seed pool (60); wherein as the seed (80) is moved by the seeding machine (10) along the seed path (82), the vibration strip (90, 90a) causes the seed (80) to vibrate, thereby removing from the seed path (82) one or more seeds (80) of a seed double. Further, a seeding machine with such a vibrational seed-double eliminator is disclosed.