Parameter Optimization of Finger Clip Plate Garlic Seed-Metering Device

Abstract

In order to improve the success rate of garlic sowing and the qualification rate of garlic seeds, a fingerboard-type garlic seed metering device was designed, and its parameters were optimized. First, the structure and working principles of seed-metering devices were studied. Subsequently, its critical component parameters were determined using theoretical calculations; then, discrete element method multi-body dynamics (DEM-MBD)-coupling simulation software was used to explore the seed-metering device process and analyze the effects of the opening angle of the clamping plate, the diameter of the seed scoop, and rotational speed of the seeding plate on the single-seed rate, missing rate, and reply rate of the device. Finally, a quadratic regression orthogonal rotation simulation experiment was conducted using the splint opening angle, scoop opening diameter, and rotation speed of the seeding plate as experimental factors, with the single-seed filling rate, qualified percentage, and missing rate as evaluation indicators. A three-factor, five-level orthogonal test was conducted to determine the mathematical regression model of experiment factors and evaluation indicators and to realize parameter optimization. A bench validation test was conducted using a 63° splint opening angle, a 24 mm seed-collecting scoop opening diameter, and 34 r/min seed-metering plate rotation speed. The average qualified rate, missing rate, and reply rate of single seeds were 91.86%, 2.71%, and 5.43%, respectively, which was consistent with the regression model results. This indicates that the method proposed in this paper achieved parameter optimization of a fingerboard garlic seed metering device.