Adjustable Auger Hopper for Grain Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain handling systems using augers often result in significant grain loss and scatter due to the vertical distance between grain bins and auger hoppers, with previous solutions offering limited effectiveness in reducing this issue.
Innovation Solution
A walled hopper with a ground-engaging adjustable support member that allows vertical adjustment to position the grain receiver closely beneath the bin outlet, combined with an auger receiver and a mesh guard for safety, to minimize grain loss during transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the vertical distance between bin outlet and auger hopper is reduced by using fixed hopper designs, then grain loss is reduced, but the device cannot adapt to different bin heights and ground conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper support members are made adjustable in length, allowing the hopper to be positioned at different heights to match various bin outlet elevations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different bin heights while maintaining optimal grain transfer positioning, thus reducing grain loss across multiple operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments or sections with adjustable length members, allowing independent adjustment of each section to achieve the desired hopper positioning. This segmentation enables versatile adaptation to different ground conditions and bin heights while maintaining the hopper's grain-catch function.
2Loss of substance
If the hopper is positioned closer to the bin outlet to reduce grain scatter, then grain loss decreases, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support members allow for simple parameter changes in length and positioning, enabling the hopper to be adjusted to the optimal position beneath the bin outlet. These parameter adjustments are implemented through straightforward mechanical means rather than complex systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving reduced grain scatter.
3Loss of substance
If a wide-area hopper is used to catch grain, then grain loss is reduced, but the device becomes harder to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be collapsible or adjustable in length, allowing the wide-area hopper to be compacted or raised for easy transport, and then extended or lowered into position during operation. This dynamic capability enables the system to provide wide grain-catch area when needed while maintaining ease of transport when mobility is required.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an auger hopper attachment that can be positioned immediately adjacent a grain hopper outlet to reduce grain loss during transfer. The hopper comprises an adjustable stand that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the hopper to raise it toward the grain hopper outlet.