Auger Hanger Assembly for Grain Bin Trough Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain bin unload trough conveyor systems face challenges in properly positioning and maintaining the auger within the trough, particularly when the auger extends long distances or when grain is being conveyed, leading to issues like misalignment and increased friction during insertion and removal, which can cause damage and restrict efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A grain bin unload trough conveyor auger hanger assembly with a curved lowermost wall portion and laterally extending shelf portions, supported by a T-shaped member with friction-reducing pads, allows the auger to be centrally positioned and securely held within the trough, reducing friction and misalignment issues during insertion and removal, and includes vertical stops to maintain the auger in the correct operational position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the auger extends a long distance or encounters grain, then the auger can convey material effectively, but the auger shaft bows or bends leading to misalignment within the trough
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple hanger assemblies distributed along the auger shaft, with each hanger providing localized support at specific intervals. This segmentation allows the long auger shaft to be supported in sections, preventing excessive bending and maintaining alignment while still enabling long-distance conveying capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger assembly acts as an intermediary element between the auger shaft and the trough structure. The hanger includes a body portion that engages the shaft and a support portion that contacts the trough, mediating the mechanical connection and allowing the shaft to maintain its position while accommodating minor deflections without compromising alignment
2Ease of repair
If the auger is removed for maintenance or replacement, then maintenance can be performed, but the auger flight slides along the bottom of the trough generating friction and potential part damage during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger assembly is designed to be temporarily removed or disengaged during auger installation and removal operations. This allows the auger to be extracted from the trough without the hanger interfering with the insertion process, enabling maintenance access while preventing friction damage during the removal/reinstallation cycle
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the hanger supporting the auger during insertion, the system is designed so the hanger can be positioned to clear the auger flight path during installation, and then engaged after the auger is properly seated. This inverted sequence eliminates friction damage during insertion while maintaining support during operation
3Ease of operation
If the auger hanger rotates on the shaft during insertion, then the hanger may not be properly aligned to slide into the support ramps, but rotation is needed to pass through grain in the trough
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger assembly incorporates rotational degrees of freedom that allow it to dynamically adjust its orientation during insertion. The hanger can rotate to navigate through grain and achieve proper alignment with the support ramps, then lock into position once seated, combining rotational adaptability with operational stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the hanger's angular parameter (rotation angle) to change during the insertion process. The hanger can be rotated to different angles depending on the grain conditions and alignment requirements, with the rotation parameter being adjusted to optimize both passage through grain and final alignment with support structures
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 solution ensures proper alignment and secure positioning of the auger within the trough, reducing friction and wear, facilitating easy insertion and removal, and enhancing conveying efficiency by minimizing contact with the trough walls, thus preventing damage and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A grain bin unload trough conveyor auger hanger assembly can include a grain bin unload conveyor trough that has a wall profile including a lowermost wall portion having a curved shape, and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the lowermost wall portion
Data Source
AI summary
A method of positioning a grain bin unload conveyor auger within a grain bin unload conveyor trough includes positioning an auger hanger on a pair of hanger support shelves at an open exterior end of the grain bin unload conveyor trough to support the grain bin unload conveyor auger away from adjacent interior surfaces of the grain bin unload conveyor trough, and pushing the grain bin unload conveyor auger through the open exterior end of the grain bin unload conveyor trough to cause the auger hanger to continuously support the grain bin unload conveyor auger away from the interior surfaces of the grain bin unload conveyor trough as the auger hanger moves longitudinally along the pair of hanger support shelves from the open exterior end to a final operational position of the auger hanger between the open exterior end and an interior end of the grain bin unload conveyor trough.