Grain Bin Stiffener Base Assembly Bolted Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain bin stiffeners are cumbersome, heavy, and costly to manufacture due to the welding of galvanized metal pieces, which creates health hazards and inefficiencies in handling and installation.
Innovation Solution
A grain bin support system featuring a bent steel stiffener with outwardly extending support surfaces and a base comprising two interconnected sections, one made of galvanized steel with upwardly extending flanges and slots, allowing for easier assembly and reduced material costs through bolt connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If galvanized metal pieces are welded together to form stiffeners, then structural strength is improved, but health hazards from noxious fumes and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the welding operation entirely from the manufacturing process. Instead of welding galvanized metal pieces together, the invention uses a single piece of galvanized metal that is bent and formed into the stiffener shape, eliminating the source of noxious welding fumes while maintaining structural integrity through proper material selection and forming processes
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffener is designed as an integrated single-piece component rather than multiple pieces joined together. This segmentation principle is applied in reverse - by consolidating what would traditionally be separate welded pieces into one monolithic formed piece, the invention eliminates welding operations and associated health hazards
2Reliability
If black steel is welded and hot-dipped for galvanized coating, then corrosion resistance is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The galvanized coating is applied in advance during the manufacturing of the stiffener components, rather than requiring post-welding hot-dipping. The stiffener is formed from pre-galvanized metal, and the coating is already in place before assembly, eliminating the time-consuming hot-dipping process while ensuring complete corrosion protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pre-galvanized metal that can be formed and assembled without requiring additional protective coating processes. The pre-applied galvanized coating serves its protective function throughout the stiffener's service life without needing renewal or additional processing
3Reliability
If black steel is painted for protection, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the paint deteriorates over time and steel rusts
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener utilizes the galvanized metal itself as a composite protective system, where the zinc coating metallurgically bonds to the steel substrate to form a durable, long-lasting protective layer. This galvanic protection system is inherently more durable than organic paint coatings, providing lifelong corrosion resistance without deterioration
4Strength
If stiffeners are made with welded base plates and elongated members, then structural integrity is improved, but handling and installation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate and elongated member are merged into a single integrated stiffener component formed from one piece of metal. This consolidation reduces the overall weight and complexity of handling multiple separate pieces, while the integrated design maintains full structural integrity through continuous material throughout the stiffener structure
Data Source
AI summary
A support for a grain bin having an elongated body with a back surface bent to form support surfaces that extend outwardly from the back surface to form a cavity therein. Connected to the elongated body is a base having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The horizontal portion having corners that extend upwardly to form flanges that engage the support surfaces of the elongated body.