Bin Sweep Support Assembly Automatic Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bin sweep systems require manual intervention to switch between support and non-support conditions, posing safety risks and increasing maintenance needs due to the use of jacks that need to be deployed and retracted within a partially filled bin.
Innovation Solution
A bin sweep system with a support assembly that changes from a support condition to a non-support condition through movement along a sweep path, eliminating the need for manual intervention by using a sweep-mounted leg that engages and disengages from a floor-mounted pedestal, allowing remote operation and reducing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used to switch between support and non-support conditions, then the bin sweep system can be operated, but safety risks increase and maintenance needs increase due to personnel entering a partially filled bin
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is designed to automatically transition between support and non-support conditions based on the bin sweep's position during operation. The movable support member engages with the bin floor to provide support when the sweep is stationary, and automatically disengages when the sweep moves, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring safety without personnel entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly transitions from a static support structure to a dynamic system that automatically adjusts its support condition. The movable support member can engage and disengage from the bin floor based on the motion state of the bin sweep, allowing the system to adapt its support characteristics automatically during operation cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jacks are deployed and retracted manually within a partially filled bin, then support conditions can be changed, but maintenance needs increase due to frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly automatically performs the function of deploying and retracting support elements based on the bin sweep's operational state. The movable support member engages when the sweep is stationary and disengages when it moves, eliminating the need for manual jack operations and reducing maintenance frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the manual intervention function from the support system by designing an automatic mechanism. The movable support member is configured to automatically engage and disengage based on physical conditions during operation, removing the need for operators to manually deploy and retract support elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support assembly provides continuous support, then the housing is always supported, but the sweep assembly cannot move freely along the sweep path
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly transitions from a static support structure to a dynamic system that automatically adjusts its support condition. The movable support member can engage and disengage from the bin floor based on the motion state of the bin sweep, allowing the system to adapt its support characteristics automatically during operation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly provides support periodically rather than continuously - engaging when the bin sweep is stationary at specific positions and disengaging when it needs to move. This periodic support action allows the sweep to move freely along its path while maintaining stability when positioned.
Data Source
AI summary
A sweep assembly rotatable along a sweep path in a bin and comprising a housing, a particulate sweep assembly to move particulate matter, and a sweep drive assembly to move the sweep assembly across the floor surface. At least one support assembly may have a support condition characterized by the support assembly providing support to the housing of the sweep assembly and a non-support condition characterized by the support assembly not providing support to the housing. The support assembly may change from the support condition to the non-support condition by movement of the sweep assembly along the sweep path. In some embodiments, the support assembly may comprise a sweep-mounted component moving with the sweep assembly along the sweep path and a floor-mounted component being stationary with respect to movement of the sweep assembly along the sweep path.