Germination Box Auger Residue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional germination boxes face challenges in completely emptying grain or green malt residues, leading to contamination of new batches and requiring manual, labor-intensive and hazardous cleaning processes due to residual material on turning screws and the floor.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of stripping tools attached to turning screws, which operate in the same direction to transport residues to an unloading station, combined with a high-pressure spray bar for cleaning, allows for automatic and efficient removal of residues from the germination box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveying device is used to unload the germination box, then grain or green malt can be transported to the unloading station, but grain or green malt residue remains on the augers or bottom of the germination box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the rotation direction of the augers from their normal counter-rotating mode (used for turning grain during germination) to a synchronized co-rotating mode. This reversal enables the augers to move residue material toward the unloading station rather than leaving it on the bottom, thereby solving the residue problem while maintaining unloading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the augers by adjusting their rotation direction and speed. By controlling the augers to rotate in the same direction with adjusted speeds, the system creates a conveying action that moves residue material toward the discharge point, enabling complete emptying without requiring additional cleaning operations.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed to remove residue, then the germination box can be cleaned, but it requires significant investment of time and personnel and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the augers to clean the germination box interior themselves through their synchronized rotation. The augers convey residue material toward the unloading station, effectively cleaning the box without requiring external manual intervention. This eliminates the need for personnel to enter the germination box for cleaning, thereby reducing time investment and eliminating safety risks associated with manual cleaning operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the augers are operated in pairs in opposite directions to turn the grain, then uniform germination is achieved, but grain or green malt residue remains on the augers or bottom of the germination box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the auger operation flexible and adjustable. The system can dynamically switch between two operational modes: counter-rotating mode for turning grain during germination (maintaining uniformity) and synchronized co-rotating mode for emptying residue (preventing loss). This dynamic adaptability allows the same auger system to serve both germination and cleaning functions effectively.
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
This solution enables complete and automatic emptying of the germination box, reducing end-product loss and eliminating the need for manual cleaning, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure spray bar attached to a housing of the conveying device, designed to remove grain or green malt residue from the augers by spraying them
Implementation Method 2
Scraping tools are attached to the lower end, i.e., at the bottom-facing end of each of the reversing augers. The reversing augers are further configured to be operated in the same direction for emptying the germination box. By means of the scraping tools, the grain or green malt residue on the ground can be conveyed towards an unloading station
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a germination box with a container for receiving grain, the container having a bottom. A beam is arranged inside the container. A conveying device, in particular an auger, is arranged horizontally to the bottom of the beam for loading and unloading the container, the conveying device being movable in the vertical direction. Furthermore, several reversing augers are arranged vertically to the bottom of the beam, which are operated in pairs in opposite directions to turn the grain. Scraping tools are attached to one end of each reversing auger facing the bottom. The reversing augers are also configured to be operated in the same direction for emptying the germination box. The invention further provides a method for emptying the germination box according to the invention and a method for retrofitting a germination box.