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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Data Source
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.


