Sump Clearing Device for Grain Bin Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clogged grain in the center sump of a grain bin poses stability and safety issues, as conventional methods either create instability in the bin or require unsafe manual intervention to dislodge the grain.
Innovation Solution
A sump clearing device comprising an elongated tube attached to a sweep auger's backboard and a second tube extending through the grain bin's sidewall, with a pole or cable equipped with a clearing device positioned above the center sump, allowing for safe and efficient dislodgment of clogged grain using rotation or air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intermediate sumps are opened to unload grain, then clogged grain is removed, but bin stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clearing function from the grain unloading system by introducing a separate probe device that can be inserted through the sump opening. This allows the probe to dislodge clogged grain without requiring intermediate sumps to be opened for bulk unloading, thereby maintaining bin stability while achieving grain clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe acts as an intermediary tool between the operator and the clogged grain. It transmits mechanical force or air pressure to dislodge the clog without requiring direct access to the grain mass or opening intermediate sumps, thus resolving the contradiction between effective clearing and maintaining bin stability.
2Productivity
If individuals enter the bin to dislodge grain, then clogged grain is cleared, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe serves as a safe intermediary that performs the dangerous task of dislodging clogged grain remotely. Operators can control the probe from outside the bin, eliminating the need for personnel to enter the confined space and exposing themselves to safety hazards such as grain entrapment or suffocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical intervention with an automated or remotely-controlled probe mechanism. This substitution eliminates direct human contact with the hazardous environment inside the bin while maintaining the ability to clear clogs effectively.
3Ease of operation
If a clearing device is inserted through tubes, then safe grain dislodgment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is nested within a protective tube structure that guides it to the center sump. The tube system is integrated with the existing auger assembly, with the probe fitting inside the auger tube or a dedicated access tube. This nested configuration provides safety and guidance while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe design incorporates multiple functions within a single device: it can deliver mechanical force through rotation or impact, alternatively deliver pressurized air for pneumatic clearing, and can be retracted and stored within the tube structure when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices.
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 device effectively clears clogged grain without compromising bin stability or safety, enabling safe and efficient unloading of grain from the center sump.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for safe and efficient dislodgment of clogged grain using rotation or air flow
Implementation Method 2
allowing for safe and efficient dislodgment of clogged grain using rotation or air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A sump clearing device having a elongated tube attached to a backboard of a sweep auger. A second tube is attached to and extends through a sidewall of a grain bin. The second tube is aligned with the elongated tube. An elongated member having a clearing device is inserted through the second and elongated tube such that the clearing device is positioned above a center sump of the bin.