Retrofit Vibration System for Agricultural Feed Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural bulk feed bins face issues with flowability problems due to irregular consistency and increased moisture, leading to bridging and rat holing, which are difficult to address with existing vibration systems that are costly, require manual intervention, or are hard to retrofit.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, low-maintenance bulk feed bin vibration system featuring a three-phase electric vibrator coupled to a tapered floor and adjustable mounting assembly, which is designed to be easily retrofitted onto existing bins and automatically activates to prevent bridging and rat holing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic vibrator is attached to the support pole to dislodge stuck feed, then bridging and rat holing are reduced, but sufficient vibration transmission from the pole to the feed inside the bin is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid coupling assembly acts as an intermediary between the pneumatic vibrator and the bin structure, efficiently transmitting vibration energy. The coupling assembly includes a mounting plate attached to the bin and a rigid connection structure that directly couples the vibrator to the bin wall or support pole, eliminating vibration loss through flexible connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration transmission system is segmented into distinct functional components: the pneumatic vibrator generates vibration, the coupling assembly transmits and amplifies it, and the mounting structure delivers it to the bin. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific function, ensuring effective vibration transmission.
2Productivity
If circular vibrating dischargers are integrated into the outlet, then feed flow is improved, but the system becomes expensive, requires custom design and integration, increased maintenance, and is difficult to retrofit onto irregular bins
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic vibrator system is designed as a universal solution that can be retrofitted onto various bin types and sizes. The coupling assembly accommodates different bin geometries and outlet configurations, making the system adaptable to irregular, worn, or unusually shaped bins without requiring custom design for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration generation function is extracted from the outlet discharge mechanism itself and placed in a separate, standardized pneumatic vibrator unit. This separates the vibration function from the discharge geometry, allowing the vibrator to be independently selected and installed without redesigning the entire discharge system.
3Reliability
If cone-shaped agitators are positioned over the outlet to rotate with feed flow, then grain bridging is prevented, but feed tends to bridge or create cavities around the rotating agitator
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on rotational agitation that creates cavities, the system uses mechanical vibration from the pneumatic vibrator to prevent bridging. The vibration causes the feed material to oscillate and break up arches without creating stable cavity structures around an agitator, effectively preventing bridging while avoiding the harmful cavity effect.
4Reliability
If manual striking with a rubber mallet is used to address bridging, then the problem is effectively solved, but the operator must be near the bin and identify the problem as soon as it occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic vibrator system operates automatically based on feed flow conditions or timing, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates to prevent or resolve bridging conditions without requiring an operator to monitor and physically strike the bin, making the process autonomous and continuous.
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 effectively reduces bridging and rat holing, ensuring consistent delivery of feed materials by providing controlled vibration that adapts to different material conditions, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of feed bin operations.
Implementation Method 1
A vibrator is provided outside the container and is coupled by a plurality of fasteners to a plate located on the interior of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A bulk storage and delivery system for agricultural feed. Curved plates are secured to the interior and exterior of a bulk feed storage container. The curved plates are secured to one another and a vibrator is secured to the curved plates. Horizontal and vertical vibration bars are secured to the curved plates on the interior of the bulk feed storage container. The vibrator transmits vibration through the curved plates and into the horizontal and vertical vibration bars to facilitate flow and reduce bridging and rat holing of the material provided within the bulk feed storage container.