Convertible Grain Cart Auger Assembly for Left-Right Unloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current grain carts with auger systems are limited by a fixed left-hand discharge configuration, which can lead to operator discomfort and increased risk of equipment damage, as well as higher inventory and maintenance costs due to separate components for left and right unloading configurations.

Innovation Solution

A dual auger assembly that can be easily switched between left-hand and right-hand unloading configurations using the same components, featuring a horizontal auger assembly and a vertically mounted auger assembly with pivotable and slideable components, allowing for efficient reconfiguration without requiring separate parts for each configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed left-hand discharge configuration is used, then the auger structure is simple and reliable, but the operator comfort deteriorates and the risk of equipment damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauger structure reliabilityVSAvoidoperator comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the auger assembly reconfigurable between left-hand and right-hand discharge configurations. The auger can be dynamically adjusted from a fixed left-hand position to a right-hand position, allowing the system to adapt to different operational needs. This resolves the contradiction by enabling operator comfort improvement (through right-hand discharge) while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of the auger structure through a standardized design that can be repositioned rather than replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed left-hand discharge configuration is used, then the auger structure is simple, but the risk of equipment damage increases due to potential contact with combine auger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauger structure complexityVSAvoidequipment damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamics principle is applied by enabling the auger assembly to be repositioned from a fixed left-hand discharge location to a right-hand discharge location. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the system to avoid equipment damage risks (by positioning the discharge away from the combine auger) while maintaining structural simplicity through a standardized, reconfigurable design rather than requiring separate structures for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are maintained for left and right unloading configurations, then each configuration is optimized, but inventory and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidinventory requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single standardized auger assembly that can serve multiple functions - it can be configured for both left-hand and right-hand discharge. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components for each configuration, thereby reducing inventory requirements and maintenance costs while maintaining the adaptability and versatility needed to switch between different unloading orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If the auger discharge is positioned on the left-hand side, then the equipment design is traditional and simple, but the tractor operator workspace becomes less comfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment design simplicityVSAvoidtractor operator workspace comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamics principle resolves this contradiction by making the auger discharge position dynamic rather than fixed. The auger assembly can be reconfigured from the traditional left-hand discharge position to a right-hand discharge position, improving operator workspace comfort while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying equipment design through a standardized, reconfigurable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11751508B2Convertible left unload and right unload auger system for a farm implement
Publication Date: 2023.09.12 UNVERFERTH MFG CO INC
  • US11751508B2 patent drawing
  • US11751508B2 patent drawing
  • US11751508B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A farm implement includes a frame, a container mounted on the frame, an intake housing rotatably connected to a front wall of the container proximate to a discharge opening, a first auger assembly, and a second auger assembly. The first auger assembly is disposed in the container and conveys agricultural material through the discharge opening. The farm implement further includes a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly disposed along the front wall. The second auger assembly is mounted on one of the first and second mounting assemblies at an operating position, without being mounted to the other one of the first and second mounting assemblies. The longitudinal axis of the first auger assembly is above a part of the second auger assembly in both of the first and second mounting configurations.