Modular Column Storage for Agricultural Machines With Reversible Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural machine storage systems are heavy, bulky, and have a fixed capacity, making them complex to assemble and inefficient in material usage, and lack adaptability to varying numbers of machines.
Innovation Solution
A column storage system for agricultural machines featuring a ground support structure, reversible connection elements, and a connection device that supports machines vertically, allowing for modular expansion and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional rack with support structure and horizontal beams is used to store agricultural machines vertically, then the machines can be stored in a column to minimize spatial requirements, but the rack becomes heavy and bulky requiring complex assembly and substantial material consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The agricultural machines themselves serve as the support structure for each other. The lower machine acts as the support for the upper machine, eliminating the need for a separate heavy rack structure. This self-service approach allows the system to support its own weight, significantly reducing the material and weight of the stationary support structure while maintaining vertical storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from the stationary rack and transferred to the machines themselves. Instead of the rack supporting the machines, the machines support each other through direct connection, removing the bulky support structure and reducing overall system weight and complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional rack with fixed height and number of shelves is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the capacity cannot be adapted to the number of machines to be stored
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system transitions from a static fixed-capacity rack to a dynamic configurable system. The reversible connection means allow machines to be connected or disconnected at different heights, enabling the storage capacity to be dynamically adjusted according to the number of machines stored while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized connection components
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into discrete reversible connection means that can be independently applied at different locations. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of the storage capacity by connecting machines at specific heights without requiring a pre-built fixed structure, combining manufacturing simplicity with adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If reversible connection means are used to removably fix the connection device to machines, then the storage capacity becomes adaptable, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means are designed as simple, standardized, and likely inexpensive components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. These simple connection elements (such as pins, clips, or basic fasteners) provide the necessary reversibility and adaptability without introducing complex mechanisms, maintaining ease of assembly while enabling flexible storage capacity adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A column storage system for agricultural machines comprises a ground support structure, a first machine which is supported on the ground support structure, at least a second machine which is arranged in a vertically higher position with respect to the first machine, a connection device which is interposed between the machines so as to support the second machine overlapping the first machine, and reversible connection means which are configured to removably fix the connection device to the machines.