Curtain Assembly for Granular Storage Capacity Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ground storage structures for granular materials face a storage capacity limitation due to the angle of repose, which restricts the volume that can be stored without requiring new construction, and the cost of increasing capacity is high due to the expense of sidewalls.
Innovation Solution
A curtain assembly is installed above the existing roof structure, supported by roof trusses, which allows for additional storage capacity by extending the height of the granular material pile without increasing the sidewall height, using a lightweight, durable curtain material like nylon mesh to distribute the load and prevent material from spilling over.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the height of sidewalls is increased to expand storage capacity, then the storage volume increases, but the construction cost increases significantly due to expensive sidewall materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical expansion (increasing sidewall height) to horizontal expansion (extending outward from the roof edge). The curtain assembly hangs downward from the roof structure, creating additional storage volume by utilizing the space laterally beneath the roof rather than vertically above the sidewalls. This dimensional shift avoids the costly sidewall construction while achieving capacity expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a curtain assembly made of flexible material (such as tarps, mesh, or fabric) that hangs from the roof structure to enclose the extended storage space. This flexible shell approach is far more cost-effective than constructing rigid sidewalls, while still providing the necessary containment and environmental protection for stored materials.
2Volume of stationary object
If granular material is piled higher to increase storage capacity, then the storage volume increases, but the roof structure may be damaged by excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of piling material higher vertically (which would overload the roof), the patent extends storage horizontally by allowing material to spill over the sidewalls and be contained by the curtain assembly hanging from the roof edges. This redistributes the load laterally along the roof perimeter rather than concentrating it at the center, preventing roof structure damage while increasing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain assembly acts as an intermediary structure that intercepts and contains the granular material before it can directly impact or overload the roof structure. The curtain absorbs and distributes the material weight and flow forces, protecting the roof from excessive point loads while enabling extended storage capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing storage facilities are utilized more intensively to avoid new construction, then construction costs are reduced, but the storage capacity is limited by the existing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed storage capacity of existing structures into a dynamic, expandable system. The curtain assembly can be adjusted in length, added or removed, and configured to match varying storage needs. This dynamic approach allows existing facilities to adapt and grow in capacity without permanent structural modifications, combining the cost benefits of utilizing existing facilities with the flexibility to increase capacity as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain assembly serves multiple functions: it extends storage capacity, protects spilled material from environmental exposure, and can be configured for different material types and storage requirements. This multi-functional solution allows a single existing structure to serve multiple storage purposes and capacity levels, maximizing the utility of existing facilities without requiring new construction.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for increasing storage capacity of granular material storage structures. The apparatus includes a curtain assembly supportable from the roof structure of the granular material storage structure and above the sidewalls thereby defining a second volume within which the granular material may be filled which is above the first volume defined by the interior volume of the sidewalls and the volume defined by the angle of repose of the granular material.