Design of a furrow opener of semi-automatic planter for healthy sugarcane seeds

Furrow opener is one of the key components of semi-automatic planter for healthy sugarcane seeds. By comparing different structures and operating principles of the opener and analyzing the main problems existed，a seed-fertilizer isolated opener was designed which could separate seeds and fertilizer and meet the needs of wide and deep ditches planting. Theoretical analysis was made on the opener’s main structure parameters and finally optimal ones（penetration angle α = 37°，anterior field angle ν = 40°，camber angle of side soil-retaining plate λ = 10°，width l = 40cm）were determined. The ANSYS Workbench simulated analysis showed that the maximum deformation lies in the front edge，but the deformation was small and unobvious and its influence could be ignored. The test results met the design requirements. The study provides a theoretical basis and fundamental conditions for further optimum design of semi-automatic planter for healthy sugarcane seeds.