Grain Bin Roof Ring Mounting Bracket Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting brackets for securing roof rings to grain bin roofs either fail to provide a rigid connection under high wind and snow loads or complicate the installation process, risking roof integrity and stability.

Innovation Solution

A mounting bracket design featuring a mounting plate with a clip portion and back plate, utilizing a bolt through apertures to securely fasten the roof ring, offering a balance between easy installation and rigid connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a frictional fit mounting bracket is used, then installation is easy, but the connection is not rigid under high wind and snow loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidrigid connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is divided into separate functional components: a mounting plate for attachment to the roof, a clip portion with aperture for the bolt, and a back plate with aperture for the bolt. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining ease of installation through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clip portion is pre-formed with an aperture that receives the bolt before final assembly. This preliminary preparation of the mounting bracket components allows for quick and easy installation while ensuring proper alignment and rigid connection when the bolt is inserted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If a mounting bracket with aperture and bolt is used, then rigid connection is achieved, but installation becomes more difficult requiring precise bracket placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigid connectionVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clip portion acts as an intermediary element between the mounting plate and the bolt. It provides a convenient aperture that guides the bolt placement and ensures proper positioning, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during installation while maintaining rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket design integrates multiple functions into a single component structure: the mounting plate provides attachment surface, the clip portion provides bolt reception and positioning, and the back plate provides additional support. This multi-functionality simplifies installation while ensuring rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the exact number of brackets must be slipped over the ring prior to installation, then rigid connection is achieved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigid connectionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is pre-assembled with the clip portion and back plate in the correct configuration before installation. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site bracket placement and ensures proper positioning, reducing installation complexity while maintaining rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate, clip portion, and back plate are merged into a single integrated mounting bracket assembly. This combination simplifies the installation process by requiring only one component to be positioned and secured, rather than multiple separate brackets to be slipped over the ring in sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a cost-effective and labor-efficient method to ensure the roof ring's secure attachment, maintaining roof integrity under high loads while simplifying the installation process.

Implementation Method 1

The back plate has at least one aperture that receives a bolt that fits around the roof ring to rigidly secure the ring to the mounting bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

The clip portion has a notch that frictionally receives the roof ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7654048B2Grain bin roof ring mounting bracket
Publication Date: 2010.02.02 SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO
  • US7654048B2 patent drawing
  • US7654048B2 patent drawing
  • US7654048B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A grain bin roof ring mounting bracket having a mounting plate secured to a roof bin, a clip portion extending vertically from the mounting plate, and a back portion that extends outwardly from the clip portion.