Dual-Auger Loading Channel for Clog-Resistant Material Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection methods for materials in various industries, such as livestock and construction, are inefficient and energy-intensive, particularly when dealing with solids, liquids, or semi-solids like manure, snow, or debris, which often result in clogging and require manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A dual-auger configuration with side and loading augers, where side augers collect material from the surface and direct it into a transport channel, while loading augers elevate it vertically, optimized by counter-rotation and adjustable wings to adapt to terrain, integrated into a mobile system with a storage volume for efficient material transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-auger or manual collection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but material transport efficiency decreases and clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is divided into two functional segments: side augers for horizontal material collection and loading augers for vertical elevation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific transport direction, improving overall efficiency while managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple auger functions into a single integrated system where side augers and loading augers work together in coordinated fashion. The merging of collection and elevation functions into one unified apparatus improves material flow continuity and reduces the need for separate equipment.
2Productivity
If high-capacity single auger is used to increase material intake, then productivity improves, but clogging increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Material intake is segmented across multiple side augers that distribute material collection across several points rather than relying on a single large auger. This distribution prevents overload at any single point and reduces clogging risk while maintaining high total capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal-only material movement to a two-dimensional transport path by introducing vertical loading augers. This dimensional change allows material to be elevated and redistributed, preventing horizontal clogging and improving flow dynamics through spatial variation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-geometry collection apparatus is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying terrain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wings are designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing them to pivot and change angle in response to varying terrain conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the collection apparatus to maintain optimal geometry across different operating environments without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable wing mechanism provides multi-functionality by accommodating various terrain types and material conditions with a single apparatus design. The same wing structure can be reconfigured for different angles and positions, making the system universally applicable across diverse operating conditions.
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
The system enhances material intake and transport efficiency, reduces clogging, and adapts to varying environments, providing a scalable and modular solution for collecting and transferring bulk materials in agricultural, industrial, and livestock settings.
Implementation Method 1
side augers are configured to collect material from a surface and direct it into the material transport channel
Implementation Method 2
loading augers are positioned within the channel to elevate or convey the material from a lower portion of the channel to an upper portion
Implementation Method 3
The loading augers within the channel may be arranged in counter-rotating pairs to optimize material movement and reduce clogging
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a material transport channel having a first side and an opposite second side. The apparatus further includes a first loading auger at least partially positioned within the material transport channel and a first side auger positioned adjacent the first side of the material transport channel. The first side auger is configured to direct material from a surface toward the material transport channel via rotation of the first side auger, and the first loading auger is configured to direct material within the material transport channel from a bottom portion of the material transport channel towards an upper portion of the material transport channel via rotation of the first loading auger.