Adjustable Auger Rack with Tower Assemblies for Vertical Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of efficient and safe means for transporting, storing, and securing large foundation augers, which are difficult to manage due to their size, weight, and varying dimensions, posing safety risks during handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
A modular auger rack system with adjustable track frames and tower assemblies that allow for vertical securing and accommodating augers of different sizes, featuring a locking mechanism, telescopic height adjustment, and a detachable lifting adapter for safe handling and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foundation augers are stored or transported horizontally, then they are easier to handle and move, but they cannot be securely stored or transported in an upright position and require more space
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system employs adjustable tower assemblies that can be repositioned along curved tracks to dynamically adapt to different auger sizes and weights. The locking mechanism dynamically secures the auger in various upright positions, transforming the static storage problem into a dynamic, adaptable solution that maintains stability while accommodating operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system introduces an intermediary structure between the auger and the ground/transport vehicle. This rack with its track frames, tower assemblies, and locking mechanisms serves as a mediating device that enables upright positioning and stabilization of augers without requiring direct ground contact or specialized vehicle mounts.
2Device complexity
If a universal rack design is used for storing foundation augers, then the rack structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate augers of varying sizes, shapes, and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is segmented into modular components: track frames, adjustable tower assemblies, flighting rests, and locking mechanisms. Each component can be independently adjusted or repositioned to accommodate different auger configurations. The tower assemblies can be moved along the curved tracks to different positions, allowing the rack to adapt to various auger diameters and lengths without requiring a completely different rack design.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can store and transport various types of foundation augers, utility augers, and drill bits. The curved tracks and adjustable towers provide multiple positioning options, enabling a single rack to serve multiple functions across different auger configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized racks.
3Reliability
If foundation augers are secured with fixed positioning mechanisms, then the securing is more reliable, but the rack cannot accommodate augers of different sizes and the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system transitions from fixed to dynamic adjustability. Tower assemblies can be moved along curved tracks to different positions and locked at various points, providing both reliability through secure locking and adaptability through repositioning capability. This dynamic system maintains securing reliability while accommodating different auger sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex adjustable mechanical positioning mechanisms with a simpler curved track guide system. The curved tracks physically guide the tower assemblies to appropriate positions, reducing the need for complex mechanical adjustment devices while maintaining both reliability and adaptability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple operators are required to handle foundation augers, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is designed to be self-servicing in terms of safety functions. The locking mechanism automatically secures the auger when the tower assembly is positioned, and the curved tracks automatically guide proper positioning. This reduces the need for multiple operators to manually ensure safe positioning, allowing a single operator to safely load, unload, and store augers independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system acts as an intermediary that absorbs the safety-critical functions of handling heavy augers. By providing built-in locking mechanisms and guided positioning, the rack transfers the safety burden from human operators to the mechanical system, enabling single-operator operation while maintaining or improving safety levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack is disclosed, adapted to facilitate efficient transport, use and storage of augers, including foundation augers. The rack comprises a frame and a plurality of upwardly rising tower assemblies which grip or lock the helical flighting on earth augers. In various embodiments, components of the rack are adjustable to accommodate differing diameters of the auger, differing angles of incline of flighting, and differing heights of augers and their flighting.