Adjustable Grain Tower Divider Hopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain tower dryers with plenum dividers do not have a combined plenum divider/hopper that allows for adjustment of the heating to cooling section ratio, and existing divider/hoppers without plenum dividers lead to particulate matter accumulation on flat surfaces, lacking a solution for both ratio adjustment and particulate management.
Innovation Solution
A combined plenum divider/hopper with sloping surfaces and movable panels that adjust the ratio of the heating to cooling sections, allowing grain to flow while particulate matter can pass through, reducing accumulation and enabling customizable drying processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard divider/hopper with flat surfaces is used, then particulate matter accumulates on the flat surfaces, but the device cannot adjust the heating to cooling section ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sloping surfaces instead of flat surfaces in the divider/hopper design. The sloped surfaces prevent particulate matter from accumulating by allowing it to slide off, while the curved or angled geometry maintains the structural integrity needed for ratio adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable panels that can be adjusted to different positions, enabling dynamic adjustment of the heating to cooling section ratio. The panels can move between fixed positions to change the plenum configuration, providing versatility while maintaining particulate management through the sloping surface design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plenum dividers with multiple pivotal doors are used to adjust ratios, then the heating to cooling section ratio can be changed, but the device does not include integrated particulate matter management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plenum divider functionality with the hopper into a single integrated unit. The movable panels serve dual purposes: they act as plenum dividers for ratio adjustment and as hopper surfaces for particulate matter management, eliminating the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable panels are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they define the plenum boundaries for heating/cooling section ratio control, provide sloping surfaces for particulate matter management, and maintain structural support. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables adjustable heating to cooling section ratios and effective particulate matter management, reducing stress on grains during drying and preventing accumulation, thereby improving drying efficiency and grain quality.
Implementation Method 1
the sloping surfaces and movable panels that adjust the ratio of the heating to cooling sections, allowing grain to flow while particulate matter can pass through
Implementation Method 2
The heater/blower draws cool air in through a bottom portion of the grain column and expels heated air out through an upper portion of the grain column
Implementation Method 3
The heater/blower draws cool air in through a bottom portion of the grain column and expels heated air out through an upper portion of the grain column
Data Source
AI summary
A combined plenum divider/hopper is provided for a grain drying tower. The divider/hopper is positioned in the drying tower proximate the heater for the drying tower and is operable to adjust the ratio of the length of the heating portion of the plenum to the length of the cooling portion of the plenum.