Curtain Assemblies for Granular Material Storage Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grain storage housings are limited by the angle of repose of the stored granular material, restricting the maximum height of the pile and thus the storage capacity, as the material cannot be piled higher than the base wall without risking spillage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of curtain assemblies with flexible panels and adjustable brackets mounted on inner chords of the housing, which extend above the side walls to create an auxiliary storage capacity, allowing the granular material to be piled higher while maintaining structural integrity and preventing material from spilling over.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the granular material is piled higher to increase storage capacity, then the storage volume increases, but the material spills over the base wall due to angle of repose limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the storage structure vertically by adding curtain assemblies that rise above the original base wall height. The side walls are extended upward using vertical support members and curtain panels, creating an additional storage dimension above the original containment structure without increasing the horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain assemblies act as intermediary structures between the granular material and the original base wall. These curtains provide a new containment surface that allows material to be piled higher while preventing spillage, mediating between the angle of repose limitation and the desire for increased storage height.
2Volume of stationary object
If curtain assemblies are added to extend above side walls, then storage capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain assembly is divided into discrete, modular components including vertical support members, horizontal support members, and curtain panels. Each component can be independently installed and adjusted, allowing the complex structure to be built from simpler standardized parts that can be configured to different height requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical support members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the extended curtains, act as mounting points for horizontal support members, and define the lateral boundaries of the extended storage area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Volume of stationary object
If the granular material is piled higher, then storage capacity increases, but the structural components must withstand greater gravitational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into vertical support members and horizontal support members that work together to distribute the gravitational load. The vertical members carry the primary weight, while the horizontal members provide lateral support and help distribute forces across the curtain assembly, preventing any single point from bearing excessive stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal support members are positioned at strategic heights along the vertical support members to provide intermediate support points before the full weight of the extended material is applied. This preliminary structural framework is installed in advance to prevent excessive deflection or failure under the increased gravitational load.
Data Source
AI summary
A granular material storage capacity increasing device and system includes a housing including a first and second side walls each having an upper edge. A roof structure is attached to and extends between the first and second side walls. The roof structure includes roof trusses each having an inner chord. A plurality of curtain assemblies is attached to the roof structure to define an auxiliary storage capacity. At least one of the curtain assemblies is mounted adjacent to and associated with the first side wall and at least one of the curtain assemblies is mounted adjacent to and associated with the second side wall. Each of the curtain assemblies a flexible panel extending between and is attached to two inner chords. A top edge attached to the inner chords and bottom edge attached to one of the first or second side walls.