Dry Particulate Dispensing Silo with Conveyor and Hopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dispensing dry particulate consumables like corn and canine food are inefficient due to high costs, limited accessibility, and inability to adapt to changing demand patterns, particularly in hunting and pet care contexts, where on-demand delivery systems are lacking.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a storage silo with a sloping bottom and conveyor that fills a dispensing hopper only upon purchase request, using a user interface for payment verification, and a communication unit for remote monitoring and replenishment, allowing for economical and flexible delivery of dry particulate consumables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If centralized bulk storage and on-demand conveyor filling is implemented, then operational cost and accessibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage and dispensing function into two separate components: a large centralized storage silo and a smaller dispensing hopper. The silo stores bulk quantities of particulate material while the hopper handles the actual dispensing operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low operational costs through bulk storage while managing complexity by separating the refilling function (automated via conveyor) from the dispensing function (manual or semi-automated).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing large quantities of particulate consumables in the centralized silo before they are needed. The conveyor system is pre-configured to automatically transfer material from the silo to the hopper when needed, eliminating the need for manual refilling operations and reducing operational costs while maintaining a manageable dispensing apparatus.
2Productivity
If automated conveyor refilling is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system serves multiple functions: it acts as a transfer mechanism between silo and hopper, a refilling system for the dispensing hopper, and an automated productivity enhancement device. By making the conveyor multi-functional, the system achieves high productivity without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Loss of time
If large bulk storage silo is used, then loss of time for refilling is reduced, but volume of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into a large centralized silo for bulk storage and a smaller dispensing hopper for active dispensing. This segmentation allows the majority of storage capacity to be located in the silo, reducing the refilling frequency and time, while the hopper remains compact and suitable for the dispensing location. The conveyor bridge connects these two volumes efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the large storage silo and the smaller dispensing hopper. It enables the system to maintain a large bulk storage capacity while keeping the dispensing apparatus compact, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of large storage volume and reduced refilling time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables economical, on-demand dispensing of dry particulate consumables, improving accessibility and reducing costs by allowing for flexible location and seasonal adjustments, ensuring a stable supply chain through centralized delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
The silo may have a sloping bottom for permitting the particulate consumables to gravitate towards a lowest part of the silo
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing dry particulate consumables includes a storage silo to store the particulate consumables. A first end of a conveyor is adjacent to a discharge opening of the silo. A second end of the conveyor is in communication with a dispensing hopper. A motor is configured to drive the conveyor in order to fill the dispensing hopper, where the dispensing hopper is filled in response to a purchase signal indicating a purchase request for dispensing the particulate consumables. A user interface is configured to initiate the purchase signal, where the user interface is configured to receive payment from a purchaser for the particulate consumables. A controller is in communication with the user interface, the motor that controls the conveyor, and the dispenser hopper in order to control an amount of particulate consumables dispensed to the purchaser.