Effect of vibration on the performance of vacuum seed meter for rice

ObjectiveThis study aims to systematically investigate the mechanism by which vibration affects the performance of a vacuum seed meter for rice, providing a theoretical basis for its field adaptability enhancement and structural optimization. MethodThe three-dimensional (X, Y, Z) vibration characteristics of a precision rice planter during paddy field operation were obtained using a field vibration signal acquisition system. Based on a vibration test apparatus for vacuum seed meter, tests were conducted under various combinations of vibration frequency (10–100 Hz), amplitude (0.2–4.0 mm), metering shaft rotational speed (20–60 r·min−1), and vacuum pressure (1.6–3.6 kPa). The miss-seeding rate, single-seed rate, double-seed rate, triple-seed rate and multi-seed rate were calculated to analyze the influence of vibration on seeding performance indicators. ResultThe root mean square of acceleration in the X, Y and Z directions for the field machinery vibration signals were 1.79–2.08, 1.32–1.64, and 0.78–1.01 m·s−2, respectively. Vibration test results indicated that under low vacuum pressure (1.6 kPa), vibration significantly increased the miss-seeding rate (PConclusionThe vacuum seed meter for rice maintains high stability and reliability under vibrating conditions. Subsequent research should optimize the seed meter structure to minimize the impact of inter-seed forces on suctioned seeds, thereby reducing the required vacuum pressure under vibration operation.