Elastic Grain Sweep Frame for Silo Floor Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grain sweeps deform under the pressure of a full silo load, leading to inefficiency and potential damage, and existing solutions like rigid metal hoods are bulky and expensive.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating resilient members at the outer and inner ends of the elongated frame allows it to move downward under pressure without deforming, resting against the silo floor, and return to its original shape when pressure is reduced, preventing deformation and maintaining operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the elongated frame is made rigid to prevent deformation under grain pressure, then the frame maintains its shape and operational path, but the frame becomes bulky, heavy and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the elongated frame flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt its position in response to grain pressure. The frame can bend and deform elastically under load and return to its original shape when pressure is removed, eliminating the need for bulky rigid structures while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the frame from rigid to flexible by selecting materials with appropriate elastic properties. This parameter change allows the frame to withstand grain pressure through elastic deformation rather than requiring increased structural rigidity, thereby reducing weight and manufacturing complexity while preventing permanent deformation.
2Device complexity
If the elongated frame is made flexible to reduce weight and complexity, then the frame becomes lighter and cheaper to manufacture, but the frame may deform under grain pressure affecting operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elastic parameters of the frame material to ensure that under normal operating conditions, the frame deforms within elastic limits and returns to its original shape. By carefully selecting materials with appropriate modulus of elasticity and yield strength, the frame achieves both flexibility for weight reduction and sufficient reliability to prevent permanent deformation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the frame with pre-calculated elastic characteristics that act as a cushioning mechanism. The frame is engineered to absorb grain pressure through controlled elastic deformation, preventing stress concentration and permanent damage. This beforehand cushioning capacity ensures the frame maintains operational reliability while remaining lightweight and simple in structure.
3Productivity
If the grain sweep operates under full silo load, then the grain can be moved towards the outlet opening, but the high pressure causes the elongated frame and grain moving means to bulge and deform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frame's mechanical parameters by using elastic materials with high yield strength and appropriate modulus of elasticity. This allows the frame to withstand the high pressure of full silo load while maintaining its geometric integrity through elastic deformation rather than permanent bulging. The grain moving means are similarly designed with flexible components that can operate under pressure without losing their functional shape.
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 resilient design prevents deformation of the grain sweep under full silo load, ensuring continuous operation and extending the lifespan of the equipment by distributing pressure effectively and allowing the frame to return to its original shape as the silo empties.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member arranged at the outer end of the elongated frame, wherein the resilient member allows the elongated frame to move from the upper position towards a lower position when pressure is applied upon the elongated frame, and wherein the resilient member allows the elongated frame to move back towards the upper position when the pressure is removed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a grain sweep (1) for use on a floor comprising at least a first drive means (2), an elongated frame (3) comprising a rotatably arranged inner end (4) and an outer end (5), a drive wheel (6) adapted to rotate the elongated frame (3) around said inner end (4), and a grain moving means (7) adapted to move grain. The grain sweep (1) further comprises at least one resilient member (8) arranged at either said inner (4) or outer end (5) of said elongated frame (3), wherein the resilient member (8) allows the elongated frame (3) to move from said upper position towards a lower position when pressure is applied upon the elongated frame (3), and wherein the resilient member (8) allows the elongated frame (3) to move back towards said upper position when the pressure is removed.