Galvanized Steel Grain Bin Floor Support with Perforated Sheet Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain bin floor supports are difficult and costly to manufacture, particularly those with open designs for efficient air distribution, such as the Sukup Super Supports™, which require wire welding and complex fabrication processes.
Innovation Solution
A floor support made from a single sheet of galvanized steel, featuring an upper flange, notches, and downward columns with bend stability, allowing for easy assembly and use without wire welding, and providing economical manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an open welded rod frame design is used for floor support, then air distribution efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a solid sheet material with perforations instead of an open welded rod frame. The perforated sheet provides the necessary porosity for air distribution while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the need for complex welding operations and reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving air flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines a solid sheet material with specific perforation patterns to create a composite structure that achieves both structural support and air distribution functions. This composite approach replaces the need for separate structural and airflow components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining both strength and air flow properties.
2Strength
If wire welding is used to assemble floor support components, then structural strength is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrated sheet structure. The floor support is formed from one continuous sheet material that is cut and shaped to provide both structural elements and air distribution features, eliminating the need for welding separate components together while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet material is segmented through perforations and cutouts to create functional zones for air flow while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the support. This segmentation allows the single piece to serve multiple functions without requiring assembly through welding.
3Ease of manufacture
If a solid sheet design is used for floor support, then ease of manufacture is improved, but air distribution efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solid sheet is transformed into a porous structure through the addition of perforations. This allows the material to maintain its solid-sheet manufacturing advantages while gaining the air distribution capabilities necessary for efficient grain drying, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and air flow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel. The support having an upper flange or rail that extends upwardly from an upper shelf and is interposed between notches. A plurality of columns that extend downwardly from the upper shelf to a base to provide added stability to the support. A bend in the support which allows the support to stand upright without the need for additional supports.