Bridge Tube Support for Grain Bin Elevated Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grain bin floor support systems lack an efficient, inexpensive, and easy-to-install solution for bridging increased distances between floor supports, particularly when accommodating grain unloading systems, leading to potential sagging or collapse.
Innovation Solution
A bridge tube support system comprising elongated support members and holding members that are quickly and easily installed by placing support members on floor supports and holding members over them, providing structural support without the need for welding or bolting, using simple manufacturing processes and conventional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If floor supports are spaced closer together, then the elevated floor has adequate support and does not sag or collapse, but the distance available for grain unloading systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge tube support is divided into multiple segments: a first support portion that engages with the first floor support, a second support portion that engages with the second floor support, and intermediate bridge sections. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, providing adequate support over long spans while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge tube support features nested engagement where the first and second support portions are received within corresponding engagement structures on the floor supports. This nesting arrangement allows the bridge support to fit within the existing floor support structure, providing additional support without requiring external attachments that would reduce clear span distance.
2Strength
If welding is used to attach support members to floor supports, then strong connections are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding (a thermal/mechanical process) with mechanical engagement systems including interlocking geometries, friction-fit connections, and gravity-dependent retention. The bridge tube support portions engage with floor supports through shaped receptacles and protruding features that provide secure attachment without requiring welding equipment or processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge tube support design incorporates self-aligning and self-retaining features where the support portions automatically engage with the floor supports through gravity and geometric constraints. The engagement structures are designed so that proper installation automatically ensures correct positioning and secure attachment, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations.
3Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used to install bridge supports, then secure installation is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge tube support components are pre-configured with engagement features and geometric shapes that ensure proper alignment and secure attachment during installation. The support portions are manufactured with predetermined orientations and connection geometries that guide them into correct positions on the floor supports, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching support members to floor supports through conventional fastening methods, the design inverts the approach by having the floor supports receive and retain the bridge support portions through interlocking geometries. The engagement structures are designed so that the bridge support portions fit into receptacles on the floor supports, reversing the traditional attachment sequence and simplifying installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor support system for a grain bin having an elevated floor formed of a plurality of planks and supported by a plurality of floor supports is presented. The system includes a plurality of support members and a plurality of holding members. The support members are formed of an elongated member that provides structural strength and rigidity. The holding members fit over the support members and engage the upper end of the floor supports. The support members and holding members are quickly and easily installed by placing the support members on the floor supports and placing the holding members over the support members. Once the support members and holding members are in place on the floor supports, the elevated floor is assembled over the holding members and support members that provide support to the elevated floor when spanning increased distances between adjacent floor supports.