Coplanar Dual Auger Layout for Stable Two-Side Grain Unloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual auger grain carts face issues with stability, maneuverability, and grain distribution due to offset auger arrangements, which lead to increased height, reduced stability, and higher grain damage, as well as complex and costly drive systems that result in uneven grain distribution and increased maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The design features coplanar auger shafts with the second auger flighting extending below the centerline of the first auger shaft, minimizing flighting-free space and allowing for even grain distribution, while a hydraulic assembly and electronic over hydraulic valve block system enable the vertical auger to pivot between unloading positions, maintaining stability and reducing grain compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If offset auger arrangement is used to enable dual auger grain cart to unload from both sides, then versatility is improved, but stability deteriorates due to increased height and higher center of gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading capabilityVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical offset arrangement to a coplanar horizontal arrangement of the two augers. Both augers are positioned in the same horizontal plane, allowing the grain cart to unload from both sides without increasing vertical height, thus maintaining stability while achieving versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If offset auger arrangement is used, then versatility is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates due to increased width requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading capabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the augers from a vertical offset configuration to a coplanar configuration where both augers operate in the same horizontal plane. This eliminates the need for increased width or larger frame structures, improving maneuverability while maintaining the ability to unload from both sides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex drive system is used to accommodate both left and right discharge positions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge position flexibilityVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drive mechanisms of both augers into a single integrated drive assembly located at the front of the grain cart. This shared drive system eliminates the need for separate drive mechanisms for left and right discharge positions, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive assembly is designed to universally drive both the left auger and the right auger. This multi-functional drive system can accommodate both discharge positions without requiring additional or modified components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex drive system is used, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge position flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the drive systems into a single integrated assembly that serves both discharge positions. This consolidation reduces the total number of components, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers production costs while maintaining the capability to discharge grain from both left and right positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Adaptability or versatility

If offset auger arrangement is used, then versatility is improved, but grain distribution deteriorates due to flighting-free space and grain compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading capabilityVSAvoidgrain distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement from vertical offset to coplanar positioning, allowing the flighting of both augers to extend below the centerline without interference. This eliminates flighting-free spaces that cause poor grain distribution and reduces grain compression, achieving uniform grain distribution while maintaining dual-side unloading capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11963482B2Dual auger drive system

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 UNVERFERTH MFG CO INC

AI summary

A dual auger grain cart includes a horizontal auger assembly, a vertical auger assembly, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the horizontal and vertical auger assemblies. The horizontal and vertical auger assemblies each include an auger shaft and flighting disposed on the auger shaft. The drive assembly includes a first member operatively connected to the horizontal auger shaft, a second member operatively connected to the vertical auger shaft, and a power input device operatively connected to the first and second drive members to drive rotation of the horizontal and vertical auger shafts.