Optimization and Testing of Seed Box Parameters of Potato Planters Based on Seed Potato Group Motion Simulation

Abstract

HighlightsThe structural parameters of the seed box of a cup-belt potato planter were optimized.The arching phenomenon of seed potato in the reseeding box was reduced.The qualified rate of cup-belt potato planters in field operation was improved.Abstract. To solve the problem of missed sowing caused by the arching phenomenon of seed potato in the reseeding box of a cup-belt potato planter, this study used the discrete element method to analyze the seed potato movement in the seed box. The analysis revealed unreasonable structural parameters of the seed box. Therefore, the discrete element method was used to optimize the structural parameters of the seed box. First, the structural parameters of the seed box were analyzed by single-factor analysis, and then quadratic rotation orthogonal combination simulation tests of three factors and five levels were performed. Two evaluation indexes were established to evaluate the flow performance of the seed box: the amount of seed taken minus the amount of seed replenishment (CD), and the coefficient of variation of the average seed-population velocity in the reseeding box (CV). The best factor combination was found through optimization. With a 42° inclination angle of the bottom surface of the seed box (a), 145 mm reserved height of the seed isolation baffle (h), and 100° inclination angle of the seed isolation baffle (ß), the CD was 2.622 grains, and the CV was 22.887%. With these parameters, the mobility of seed potato in the reseeding box was good, and there was no arching in the reseeding box. To verify the accuracy of the optimized results, a cup-belt potato seeding test bench was built to conduct verification tests. The bench test verified the rationality of the model and the optimized parameters. Field tests showed that the arching phenomenon in the reseeding box was solved by optimizing the structural parameters of the seed box. The purpose of improving the sowing performance of the cup-belt potato planter was achieved. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Discrete element method, Parameter optimization, Potato planter, Seed box.