Description:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to the field of agriculture, and more particularly to seed sowing equipment. Specifically, the disclosure pertains to a manually operated seed dibbling machine that facilitates the precise and uniform placement of seeds into the soil at consistent intervals and controlled depths.
BACKGROUND
In the field of agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of crops such as legumes, precision in seed sowing plays a critical role in determining germination success, root development, and overall crop yield. The process of sowing seeds at uniform intervals and consistent depths-commonly referred to as "dibbling"-is vital for optimal spacing, nutrient absorption, and moisture retention.
Traditionally, seed sowing has been carried out manually by broadcasting or line sowing, where seeds are either scattered over the soil surface or dropped by hand into furrows. While simple, these manual methods are inherently imprecise and result in issues such as seed overcrowding, inconsistent depth, and exposure to pests and birds. These irregularities reduce germination rates and plant vigour, especially in legumes, which are sensitive to planting depth due to their root nodulation behaviour.
To address such challenges, a range of seed dibbling tools and semi-automatic planters have been introduced in the agricultural domain. Manual hand-held dibblers with pointed metal ends allow the farmer to create holes in the ground where seeds are dropped individually. Although they offer more control than broadcasting, these tools are labor-intensive, require both hands for operation, and still lack accuracy in spacing and depth control. Moreover, operators apply varying amounts of force, leading to inconsistent hole depth and seed placement.
Mechanized seed planters or tractor-mounted seed drills, while effective in large-scale operations, are often cost-prohibitive and unsuitable for small or fragmented farmlands commonly found in developing regions. These machines are bulky, require fuel or electricity, and often lack the adaptability required for specific crops like legumes, maize, etc. which demand fine-tuned spacing and depth parameters.
Furthermore, most existing seed dibblers or planters release multiple seeds at a time due to uncontrolled flow mechanisms. This leads to seed wastage and the need for thinning later. Some devices attempt to address this by including rotating seed plates or cups, but these are either too complex for rural repair or suffer from seed jamming or misalignment, especially when handling irregularly shaped seeds.
The need for precision dibbling is not limited to legumes alone. Several other crops—such as maize, groundnut, sunflower, cotton, and root vegetables like beetroot and carrot—also demand controlled seed spacing and depth for uniform crop establishment. In crops like maize and cotton, overcrowding or uneven depth can lead to reduced yield and poor stand establishment. For sunflower, uniform spacing directly influences symmetric head formation and seed setting. Similarly, in root crops like carrot and beetroot, proper spacing ensures healthy root development and avoids deformities.
Several prior art seed sowing mechanisms exist, ranging from simple manual tools to complex mechanized planters. However, each has its limitations, especially when evaluated from the perspective of small and marginal farmers needing precise, affordable, and user-friendly seed dibbling tools.
One commonly used prior art is the hand-held cone-shaped dibbler. It allows a user to poke holes into the soil and manually drop seeds. Although simple, it demands significant labor, provides no control over seed depth or spacing, and often results in seed wastage. Moreover, such dibblers do not ensure uniform seed-to-seed distance, which is critical for crops like maize, legumes, and cotton.
Another known device is the rotary drum seeder, often used in rice cultivation. It involves a rotating drum with holes, releasing seeds as it is pulled manually or mechanically. However, it is generally limited to broadcasting small-sized seeds in paddy fields and does not offer precise depth control or single-seed release, making it unsuitable for crops requiring dibbling.
Also known is a class of tractor-mounted mechanical seed drills, which can deliver seeds at regulated spacing and depth using calibrated seed metering units. While effective, however such machines are expensive, require skilled operation, and are impractical for small landholdings. Furthermore, their complexity limits usage to large-scale farms, leaving out small farmers with uneven or fragmented land parcels.
Another relevant prior art includes semi-automatic planters with seed cups or rotating plates. These systems can dispense seeds in intervals but typically rely on motorized actuation or electrically powered drives, increasing cost and maintenance needs. Additionally, seed jamming and irregular seed sizes frequently disrupt seed flow in these designs.
Therefore, there exists a strong need for a low-cost, robust, and mechanically synchronized seed dibbling solution that requires minimal manual effort; operates without electricity or fuel; releases seeds one or two at a time with precise timing; maintains uniform spacing and depth across various soil conditions; and is accessible to small and marginal farmers growing a wide variety of precision-dependent crops.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a manually operated seed dibbling machine that facilitates the precise, uniform, and periodic placement of seeds in the soil, especially for legume and other crops requiring accurate spacing and depth.
Another object is to disclose a method of dibbling seeds, wherein the manual pushing of the machine generates mechanical rotation to drive a cam-actuated seed release system, ensuring synchronized and periodic seed drop in alignment with the movement of the ground-contact wheels.
Yet another object is to offer a mechanical solution that eliminates the need for electrical power or automation, using a belt and pulley system, a secondary shaft, and a chain and gear arrangement to transmit motion to the seed release and dibbling mechanisms.
A further object is to guide the seeds via an inclined plane and place them using an internal wheel fitted with hollow cylindrical tubes, which work in coordination with a rectangular discharge pipe and a depth control lever for precise placement.
An additional object of the present disclosure is to provide a low-cost, durable, and field-operable device and method that is suitable for small and marginal farmers, requiring minimal maintenance and manual effort.
SUMMARY
In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a manually operated seed dibbling machine designed for precise and uniform seed placement in agricultural fields. The machine includes a seed box with a sliding and opening plate, a cam mechanism driven by a power shaft, and a connecting rod that periodically actuates the plate to control seed release. The rotational motion generated by ground-contact wheels is transferred through a belt and pulley system to a secondary shaft, and further to the power shaft via a chain and gear arrangement, ensuring synchronized movement of all components. Released seeds are guided by an inclined plane toward an internal wheel equipped with hollow cylindrical tubes, which pick up and deliver the seeds into a rectangular discharge pipe. The pipe directs the seeds vertically into the soil, with the depth controlled by a manually operated lever. The entire mechanism operates through manual pushing, offering an efficient, non-electric solution for planting seeds with accurate spacing and consistent depth. The disclosure also provides a method for dibbling seeds that utilizes the same mechanical principles to enable systematic, periodic seed placement using a single operator.
The present disclosure also encompasses a method for manually dibbling seeds using the disclosed machine, wherein the operator pushes the machine forward to initiate mechanical motion. The rotation of the ground-contact wheels is transmitted through a belt and pulley arrangement to a secondary shaft, and then via a chain and gear mechanism to a power shaft. This power shaft rotates a cam, which actuates a connecting rod to periodically move a sliding and opening plate at the base of the seed box. As the plate momentarily aligns with the outlet, a controlled quantity of seeds is released. These seeds descend via an inclined plane and are received into hollow cylindrical tubes arranged along the circumference of a rotating internal wheel. The internal wheel carries the seeds to a discharge pipe that guides them directly into the soil. A depth control lever adjusts the discharge outlet to achieve the desired sowing depth. This method ensures uniform seed placement without requiring electrical power, offering a practical and synchronized approach to planting crops such as legumes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiment will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:
Referring to Figure 1A, shows an isometric view of a seed dibbling machine (100), in accordance with an aspect of a present disclosure;
Referring to Figure 1B, shows a top view of the seed dibbling machine (100), in accordance with the aspect of the present disclosure; and
Referring to Figure 2, shows a flowchart depicting steps for manually dibbling seeds using the seed dibbling machine (100), in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, the terms “like”, “as such”, “for example”, “including” are meant to introduce examples which further clarify more general subject matter, and should be contemplated for the persons skilled in the art to understand the subject matter.
The present disclosure relates to a manually operated seed dibbling machine (100) configured to deliver precise, consistent, and efficient placement of seeds in agricultural fields, as shown in Figure 1A. The machine is particularly suited for crops such as legumes, maize, cotton, sunflower, and root vegetables that require accurate spacing and controlled sowing depth to optimize germination and crop yield.
The seed dibbling machine (100) comprises a structural frame (114) mounted on three ground-contact wheels (116), including two rear wheels and one front wheel. The wheels provide support, balance, and rotary motion during forward manual movement. A seed box (102) is mounted on the upper portion of the frame (114) and is dimensioned to store a substantial quantity of seeds. A sliding and opening plate (104) is positioned at the bottom of the seed box (102) to regulate the release of seeds.
The sliding and opening plate (104) is mechanically connected to a cam mechanism (106) through a connecting rod (108). The cam mechanism (106) is mounted on a power shaft (110). Rotational power is generated from the ground-contact wheels (116) during forward movement of the machine. This rotational power is first transferred to a secondary shaft (130) via a belt and pulley arrangement. The secondary shaft (130) is positioned between the ground-contact wheels (116) and the power shaft (110) and acts as a relay in the power transmission system. From the secondary shaft (130), a chain and gear system (112) transmits rotary motion to the power shaft (110), which rotates the cam mechanism (106), as shown in Figure 1B.
The eccentric profile of the cam (106) actuates the connecting rod (108), which causes the sliding and opening plate (104) to periodically slide open and shut. This periodic motion results in the release of a defined number of seeds, typically two per cycle, from the seed box (102). Released seeds descend onto an inclined plane (118) that is positioned directly below the plate (104) and functions to guide the seeds accurately toward the pickup region.
Positioned below the inclined plane (118) is an internal wheel (120), which rotates in synchronization with the forward movement of the machine through mechanical linkage with the ground-contact wheels (116). The internal wheel (120) comprises a series of hollow cylindrical tubes (122) spaced equidistantly around its periphery. Each cylindrical tube (122) is configured to collect a seed from the inclined plane (118) as it passes the seed outlet location. The cylindrical tubes (122) also serve as dibblers, depositing the seeds into the soil during rotation.
Seeds collected by the cylindrical tubes (122) are directed downward into a rectangular cross-sectional discharge pipe (124), which functions as a seed guide. The discharge pipe (124) ensures that seeds are placed accurately in the soil without lateral deviation. A depth control lever (128) is operatively connected to the discharge pipe (124) and facilitates adjustment of sowing depth based on crop and soil requirements. The depth control lever (128) also includes a neutral setting that disables the seed delivery mechanism during non-operational movement, such as transport or turning.
All mechanical components involved in seed release and seed placement are synchronized through the rotary motion of the ground-contact wheels (116). Synchronization enables uniform seed spacing, consistent depth placement, and efficient sowing over the field area. A handle (126) is mounted at the rear end of the frame (114) to allow the operator to push, guide, and balance the machine during operation.
The seed dibbling machine (100) includes a cam-driven seed release mechanism, a gravity-assisted inclined plane for seed transfer, a hollow-tube-based dibbling mechanism, and a rectangular discharge pipe with manual depth control. The combined operation of these components addresses common limitations of traditional dibblers, such as inconsistent spacing, variable sowing depth, and overlapping. Periodic seed release at fixed intervals and controlled deposition into the soil enhances planting efficiency while maintaining affordability and usability for small and marginal farmers.
The manually operated seed dibbling machine (100) is designed for the precise and efficient placement of seeds in agricultural fields, particularly for crops such as legumes, maize, cotton, sunflower, and root vegetables that require uniform spacing and controlled depth for optimal growth. The machine (100) comprises a structural frame (114) mounted on three ground-contact wheels (116), including two rear and one front wheel, which support the structure, enable forward motion, and generate rotary input for the power transmission system. A seed box (102) is mounted on the frame (114) and stores a sufficient volume of seeds. A sliding and opening plate (104) is positioned at the bottom of the seed box (102) to regulate seed flow and is connected to a cam mechanism (106) via a connecting rod (108). The cam mechanism (106) is mounted on a power shaft (110) that receives rotary motion from a secondary shaft (130), which acts as an intermediary element between the wheels and the cam system. Rotary motion generated from the forward movement of the machine (100) is first transmitted to the secondary shaft (130) through a belt and pulley arrangement. The secondary shaft (130) then transmits synchronized rotary motion to the power shaft (110) through a chain and gear system (112). The cam mechanism (106), upon rotation, actuates the connecting rod (108), causing the sliding and opening plate (104) to periodically slide open and shut, releasing two seeds at a time.
The released seeds fall onto an inclined plane (118) that directs them toward an internal wheel (120) positioned below the seed box (102). The internal wheel (120) rotates in synchronization with the forward motion of the machine and includes a series of hollow cylindrical tubes (122) arranged equidistantly around its circumference. These cylindrical tubes (122) collect seeds from the inclined plane (118) and act as dibblers to deposit seeds into the soil during wheel rotation. The seeds are directed into a rectangular cross-sectional discharge pipe (124), which guides each seed accurately into the soil at the desired planting location. A depth control lever (128) is connected to the discharge pipe (124) and enables adjustment of the sowing depth according to soil and crop requirements.
The rectangular cross-sectional discharge pipe (124) is positioned below the internal wheel (120) and aligned with the vertical path of seed delivery from the hollow cylindrical tubes (122). The discharge pipe (124) serves as a controlled conduit that guides each seed from the pickup mechanism directly into the soil. The enclosed rectangular structure restricts lateral displacement of the seed during descent, ensuring that the seed travels in a vertically straight path toward the ground. The inner walls of the discharge pipe (124) are smooth to minimize resistance and prevent bouncing, rolling, or diversion of the seed trajectory. This structural arrangement enables consistent and accurate placement of each seed at a defined spot in the soil.
The lower end of the discharge pipe (124) is mechanically connected to a depth control lever (128), which allows the vertical height of the outlet to be raised or lowered depending on the desired sowing depth. Adjustment of the lever (128) modifies the point at which the seed exits the pipe and enters the soil, thereby facilitating precise control over planting depth for different crop requirements. During non-sowing operation such as transport or turning, the lever (128) can be set to a neutral position to lift the discharge pipe (124) above ground level, effectively disabling seed release into the soil. In this configuration, the discharge pipe (124) acts both as a seed guide and as an interface for mechanical control of depth and delivery.
The depth control lever (128) includes a neutral mode that disengages the seed delivery mechanism during non-sowing operations such as transport or turning. A handle (126) is provided at the rear of the frame (114) to allow the operator to push, guide, and control the machine (100) manually. All seed release and placement operations are synchronized through the mechanical linkage originating from the ground-contact wheels (116), ensuring uniform spacing and consistent depth without requiring electrical or motorized components.
As shown in Figure 2, the method (200) of seed dibbling using the machine (100) involves loading seeds into the seed box (102) and manually pushing the machine forward using the handle (126), causing the ground-contact wheels (116) to rotate. Rotary motion is transferred to the secondary shaft (130) through a belt and pulley system and then to the power shaft (110) via the chain and gear system (112). The rotating cam mechanism (106) actuates the connecting rod (108), which slides the seed plate (104) open and shut at timed intervals to release two seeds per cycle onto the inclined plane (118). The inclined plane (118) guides the seeds to the internal wheel (120), where the hollow cylindrical tubes (122) pick up the seeds and transfer them into the soil through the rectangular discharge pipe (124). The depth of seed placement is determined by the position of the depth control lever (128), which can also be set to neutral to disengage the seed delivery mechanism. The entire process ensures precise timing, consistent depth, and accurate seed spacing, enhancing planting efficiency for small and marginal farmers.
, Claims:We Claim
1. A manually operated seed dibbling machine (100) comprising:
a seed box (102) configured to store seeds;
a sliding and opening plate (104) positioned at the bottom of the seed box (102) to control seed release;
a cam mechanism (106) connected to the sliding and opening plate (104) via a connecting rod (108), configured to cause periodic opening and closing of the plate (104);
a power shaft (110) to rotate the cam mechanism (106);
a secondary shaft (130) to receive rotational motion from a set of ground-contact wheels (116) through a belt and pulley arrangement and to transmit said motion to the power shaft (110) via a chain and gear system (112);
an inclined plane (118) disposed below the seed box (102) to guide released seeds toward a seed pickup region;
an internal wheel (120) rotatably mounted below the inclined plane (118) on the frame (114), the internal wheel (120) comprising a plurality of hollow cylindrical tubes (122) arranged equidistantly along its circumference to pick and transport seeds;
a rectangular cross-sectional discharge pipe (124) configured to guide seeds from the internal wheel (120) into the soil;
a depth control lever (128) to adjust the outlet level of the discharge pipe (124) for variable seed depth placement and to disengage the seed delivery mechanism via a neutral setting;
and a frame (114) supporting all components and a handle (126) for manual pushing and directional control;
wherein the rotation of the ground-contact wheels (116) synchronously drives the sliding and opening plate (104), the internal wheel (120), and the discharge pipe (124) via the cam mechanism (106) to ensure uniform seed spacing and consistent planting depth.
2. The seed dibbling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding and opening plate (104) comprises a horizontally slidable flat metal sheet with a calibrated opening that aligns with a corresponding outlet at the base of the seed box (102).
3. The seed dibbling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the periodic motion of the cam mechanism (106) slides the plate (104) such that the opening aligns momentarily with the outlet to release a fixed number of seeds during each cycle.
4. The seed dibbling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inclined plane (118) is fixed at a downward angle and oriented to use gravity for aligning seeds with the pickup zone of the internal wheel (120).
5. The seed dibbling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal wheel (120) is provided with six or more hollow cylindrical tubes (122) spaced uniformly along its circumference to maintain equal seed spacing during planting.
6. The seed dibbling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depth control lever (128) includes a neutral position that lifts the discharge pipe (124) away from soil contact to disengage seed sowing during machine turning or transport.
7. A method (200) of dibbling seeds using the seed dibbling machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, the method (200) comprising:
loading seeds into the seed box (102);
pushing the machine (100) forward to rotate ground-contact wheels (116);
transmitting rotation through the secondary shaft (130) and power shaft (110) to actuate the cam mechanism (106);
periodically opening the sliding and opening plate (104) to release seeds;
wherein the timing of seed release is synchronized with the rotation of the internal wheel (120) and movement of the discharge pipe (124) to deposit seeds into the soil at uniform spacing and adjustable depth.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method (200) comprising each rotation of the cam mechanism (106) releasing predetermined number of seeds through the opening in the plate (104) in a controlled manner.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein seeds released from the seed box (102) travel along an inclined plane (118) and are aligned to fall into the hollow cylindrical tubes (122) mounted on the internal wheel (120).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the discharge pipe (124) is vertically positioned using the depth control lever (128) to ensure consistent seed placement depth according to soil and crop type.