Bin Sweep Collector Ring Assembly Above Floor Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bin sweep systems face difficulties in accessibility and maintenance due to the constrained installation and maintenance of the slip ring housing, which is typically housed within the central sump, leading to reduced storage capacity and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The collector ring assembly positions the collector ring housing between the auger section and the drive unit, with a pivot stand attached to the floor grate, allowing the collector ring to rotate about a vertical pivot axis, thus housing the collector ring above the floor level, enhancing accessibility and reducing the need for a deep sump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the slip ring housing is contained within the central sump below floor level, then the slip ring is protected and integrated into the bin structure, but installation and maintenance become difficult due to constrained accessibility and the sump must be of adequate depth
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring housing is extracted from the central sump and repositioned above the floor level. This allows the slip ring to be easily accessible for installation and maintenance while eliminating the need for a deep sump. The housing is mounted to the bin wall or support structure at an elevated position where it can be serviced without entering the sump.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip ring housing is relocated from a vertical position below the floor (within the sump) to a horizontal position above the floor level. This dimensional change in positioning transforms the accessibility problem into a solved configuration, allowing easy access from the side or top while reducing the vertical depth requirement of the sump.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sump is made deeper to contain the slip ring housing, then the slip ring can be housed within the bin structure, but the effective storage capacity of the bin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring housing is extracted from the sump volume and repositioned above the floor level. This eliminates the need to allocate sump depth for housing the slip ring, thereby maximizing the effective storage capacity of the bin while still providing integrated housing and protection for the slip ring mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the slip ring is positioned below floor level in the sump, then it is structurally integrated into the bin, but operational efficiency decreases due to maintenance difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring housing is extracted from the below-floor sump position and repositioned above the floor level. This maintains structural integration through proper mounting to the bin wall or support structure while dramatically improving operational efficiency by allowing easy access for installation, maintenance, and repair without requiring entry into the sump.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus comprising an auger section having an auger and a drive unit containing a motor for driving the auger. A collector ring housing containing a collector ring is positioned between the auger section and the drive unit. In another aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus for attachment to a floor grate. The apparatus includes a pivot stand attached to a top surface of the floor grate, the pivot stand defining a vertical pivot axis. A collector ring has a first stationary portion and a second rotatable portion, with the stationary portion attached to the pivot stand. A housing surrounds the collector ring, and the housing and second rotatable portion of the collector ring rotate together about the pivot axis.