Grain Bin Roof Deck With Slotted Plates And Z-Ring Segments
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing deck systems for cylindrical storage structures, such as grain bins, require customization to fit different manufacturer configurations and roof rib spacings, leading to increased complexity and inventory needs for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A deck system composed of standard, uniform-sized components with flexible design features like slotted openings and Z-shaped ring segments that can conform to various roof curvatures, allowing for attachment without specific customization, including elongate plates, ring segments, risers, and deck plates with adjustable fastening points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom sized and shaped components are used for the deck, then the deck can be precisely fitted to specific grain bin configurations and roof rib spacings, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing deck components with standardized dimensions and attachment features that can be used across multiple grain bin configurations. The components are engineered with universal fastening mechanisms that accommodate various roof rib spacing patterns, allowing a single standardized component set to serve multiple functions and applications without requiring custom fabrication for each bin type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the deck into modular components with standardized interfaces. Each component is designed as a discrete unit that can be independently manufactured and then assembled through standardized connection methods. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different grain bin configurations through combinatorial assembly rather than requiring custom-designed components for each application.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom sized and shaped components are used for the deck, then the deck can be precisely fitted to specific grain bin configurations, but the inventory of components needed increases to accommodate different grain bins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing deck components with standardized dimensions and attachment features that can be used across multiple grain bin configurations. The components are engineered with universal fastening mechanisms that accommodate various roof rib spacing patterns, allowing a single standardized component set to serve multiple functions and applications without requiring custom fabrication for each bin type.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard uniform size components are used for the deck, then the assembly process is simplified and inventory is reduced, but the ability to fit different grain bin configurations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable and reconfigurable features into the standardized components. The deck components include adjustable fastening mechanisms and reconfigurable connection elements that allow the standardized components to be dynamically arranged and positioned to match different grain bin configurations. This dynamic adaptability enables a single standardized component set to accommodate various roof rib spacing patterns and bin dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the deck into modular components with standardized interfaces. Each component is designed as a discrete unit that can be independently manufactured and then assembled through standardized connection methods. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different grain bin configurations through combinatorial assembly rather than requiring custom-designed components for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.