Adjustable Frame Sealing Device for Bulk Fodder Silos

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cut surface sealing devices for bulk fodder storage are time-consuming and costly due to the need for multiple devices tailored to specific silo dimensions and the requirement to displace the entire device to access the cut surface, which increases operational time and expenses.

Innovation Solution

A cut surface sealing device with an adjustable frame and seal that can be adapted to various silo widths and heights, allowing for a single device to be used across multiple silos, featuring telescopic elements and a movable seal that can be operated without displacing the entire device, along with optional coupling for vehicle transport and automated width and height adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed-width seal device is used for each silo, then the seal fits precisely to the silo dimensions, but multiple devices are required for different silos increasing cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal fit precisionVSAvoiddevice adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame width is made adjustable through telescopic support elements that can be positioned at different distances from each other, allowing the same device to adapt to various silo widths while maintaining precise sealing contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single seal device with adjustable frame width can serve multiple silos of different dimensions, replacing the need for multiple fixed-width devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the entire seal device is displaced to access the cut surface, then the seal can be repositioned, but operational time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal accessibilityVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is separated from the main frame structure and can be independently moved along the cut surface using a carriage mechanism, allowing rapid repositioning without moving the entire device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A carriage acts as an intermediary between the frame and seal, enabling the seal to be quickly positioned at different locations along the cut surface while the frame remains stationary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the seal is moved in the horizontal plane parallel to the cut surface, then access to the cut surface is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut surface accessVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is divided into the stationary frame and the movable seal component, allowing the seal to be independently repositioned horizontally along the cut surface without affecting the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A carriage mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables horizontal movement of the seal along guide rails or tracks attached to the frame, providing simple yet effective repositioning capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3797580A1Cut surface sealing device and method for cut surface sealing
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 JAN SAKE BOSCH HLDG BV
  • EP3797580A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3797580A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3797580A1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Cut surface sealing device for sealing a cut surface of a bulk fodder storage such as a trench silo, the device comprising: - a frame extending over a width, the frame comprising: ∼ a number of support elements extending substantially in vertical direction and configured to support the device on a ground surface or side walls of a trench silo, and ∼ a spanning element extending between the number of support elements, such that the support elements and the spanning element form a cut surface opening; - a seal which is operatively connected to the frame and is arranged in the cut surface opening, wherein the seal is movable between a closed position, in which the seal substantially closes the cut surface opening, and an open position in which the cut surface opening is at least partially accessible, wherein the width of the frame is adjustable, such that the width of the frame can be adapted to the width of the bulk fodder storage.