Angled Grain Elevator Paddle Divider for Sampling Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Grain elevators often tilt during operation due to uneven terrain, causing grains to be biased away from sampling receptacles equipped with sensors, leading to inadequate grain sample collection.

Innovation Solution

A grain elevator paddle assembly with an angled paddle design or insert that promotes grain flow towards a sampling receptacle by incorporating a divider or slope, ensuring grains enter the receptacle even when the elevator is tilted, utilizing a paddle base transporter and connector with a fastener engagement and an angled paddle insert that directs grain flow towards the sampling receptacle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the grain elevator tilts during operation due to uneven terrain, then the grain flow is maintained, but the grain samples are biased away from the sampling receptacle leading to inadequate collection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrain flow maintenanceVSAvoidsample collection adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle assembly incorporates an angled divider that creates asymmetric grain flow paths. The divider is positioned at a specific angle relative to the paddle base, creating a first side that directs grain toward the sampling receptacle and a second side that allows grain to pass by. This asymmetric configuration ensures that regardless of the elevator's tilt direction, grain is consistently directed toward the sampling receptacle, resolving the contradiction between maintaining grain flow and ensuring adequate sample collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The angled divider acts as an intermediary element between the grain flow and the sampling receptacle. It mediates the interaction by redirecting grain that would otherwise be biased away from the receptacle due to elevator tilting. The divider creates a controlled path that guides grain toward the sampling opening, ensuring reliable sample collection while allowing the elevator to operate on uneven terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a conventional paddle design is used, then the structure is simple, but grain flow is not effectively directed toward the sampling receptacle when the elevator is tilted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaddle structure simplicityVSAvoidgrain flow direction control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a paddle base, an angled divider, and a sampling receptacle opening. The divider is separated from the paddle base and positioned at a specific angle, creating distinct grain flow zones. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity, effectively controlling grain flow direction without adding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The paddle assembly applies local quality changes through the angled divider that creates different grain flow conditions on different sides. The first side of the divider is configured to direct grain toward the sampling receptacle, while the second side allows grain to pass by. This localized differentiation of grain flow paths ensures reliable sampling without requiring complex modifications to the entire paddle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The angled paddle design or insert effectively directs grains into the sampling receptacle, ensuring consistent and reliable data collection by sensors even when the grain elevator is slanted, enhancing the efficiency of grain sampling and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

A grain elevator paddle insert of a grain elevator is disclosed. The grain elevator paddle insert comprising an angled paddle insert configured to be placed on top of a paddle base and comprising a slope angled downwards from a first paddle base side to a second paddle base side, wherein the second paddle base side corresponds to a side of the grain elevator configured to have an opening to a sampling receptacle.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9676557B2Elevator paddle design to optimize sample bypass collection
Publication Date: 2017.06.13 DEERE & CO
  • US9676557B2 patent drawing
  • US9676557B2 patent drawing
  • US9676557B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A grain elevator system and method are disclosed, where the grain elevator system includes a grain elevator, a grain elevator paddle, and/or a grain elevator paddle insert. When the grain elevator system includes a sensor attached to a side of the grain elevator, the grain elevator paddle may be configured to include a divider piece for biasing grain towards the side of the grain elevator having the sensor attached. When the grain elevator system includes a sensor attached to a side of the grain elevator, a grain elevator paddle insert may be positioned on top of the grain elevator paddle for biasing grain towards the side of the grain elevator having the sensor attached.