Grain Conveyor with Apertures for Cob Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing grain conveying systems are inefficient in separating corn cob pieces from grain during harvesting, leading to inefficient filling of grain bins, frequent unloading, and risk of damage to both cob pieces and grain due to gravitational separation issues during discharge.
Innovation Solution
A grain conveying apparatus with a helical auger and a cylindrical outer tube, featuring apertures that allow grain to pass through while cob pieces are directed to a separate receiving bin, utilizing a tumbling effect to enhance separation by agitating the grain mixture and promoting segregation as it is conveyed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If grain and cob pieces are stored together in the same bin, then the storage system is simple, but the grain bin fills inefficiently and requires frequent unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two separate bins: one for grain and one for cob pieces. The separation apparatus divides the mixed material stream during conveyance, directing grain through apertures into the grain bin while allowing cob pieces to be discharged separately into the cob bin. This segmentation resolves the filling efficiency problem by preventing the bulk volume issue of mixed storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cob pieces are extracted from the grain-cob mixture during the conveying process. The separation apparatus uses size-based filtering where cob pieces (larger than aperture dimensions) are excluded from the grain bin and diverted to a separate cob receiving bin, while grain passes through the apertures. This extraction eliminates the need for frequent unloading caused by inefficient packing.
2Reliability
If grain and cob pieces are transferred together between containers, then the transfer process is simple, but both elements are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system is segmented into separate conveyance paths for grain and cob pieces. Grain is conveyed through the apertures in the auger tube to the grain bin, while cob pieces are diverted through side discharge openings to the cob bin. This segmentation prevents damage by avoiding the gravitational separation and impact issues that occur when mixed material is discharged from height.
Solution Approach 2:
Cob pieces are extracted from the mixture before the discharge point, preventing them from being dropped along with grain from height. The side discharge mechanism removes cob pieces from the conveyance stream at an intermediate point, allowing them to be deposited gently into the cob bin without the high-velocity impact that would cause breakage and moisture loss.
3Reliability
If the mixture is discharged to a receiving container, then unloading is simple, but gravitational forces cause denser grain to fall at greater velocity, resulting in cob breakage and grain damage
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge operation is segmented into two separate discharge streams. Grain is discharged through the central aperture system at controlled velocity, while cob pieces are discharged separately through side openings. This segmentation eliminates the harmful gravitational separation effect where grain would accelerate faster and impact cob pieces, causing breakage. Each material type is discharged independently with appropriate velocity control.
Solution Approach 2:
Cob pieces are extracted from the mixture before the final discharge point using the side discharge mechanism. This prevents the scenario where grain falling at high velocity would strike and damage cob pieces in the receiving container. The extraction occurs at an intermediate stage in the conveyance system, allowing gentle deposition of cob pieces separate from the grain discharge.
4Productivity
If a conventional grain conveying system is used, then the system structure is simple, but separation of cob pieces and grain is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying apparatus is segmented into an upper passage for mixed material conveyance and a lower passage for separated grain conveyance. The auger tube with apertures creates a flow path where grain can pass through to the lower passage while cob pieces remain in the upper passage. This segmentation enables effective separation based on material size and flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Grain is extracted from the grain-cob mixture through the apertures in the auger tube. The aperture dimensions are specifically designed to allow grain particles to pass through while retaining cob pieces. This extraction mechanism achieves effective separation by exploiting the size difference between grain and cob, directing each to its designated receiving bin.
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
Effectively separates grain from cob pieces, reducing the risk of damage and improving the efficiency of grain bin filling by ensuring timely separation and minimizing loss of moisture or grain damage during unloading.
Implementation Method 1
an auger configured and operable for conveying the grain mixture from the source bin towards a discharge location
Implementation Method 2
The lower region of the unloading tube includes at least one aperture of a first predetermined extent in at least one direction which is smaller than the first minimum size associated with the cob pieces and larger than the second maximum size associated with the grain
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a tumbling effect to enhance separation by agitating the grain mixture and promoting segregation as it is conveyed
Implementation Method 4
As the mixture is discharged to the receiving container, gravitational forces will likely cause the denser grain elements to fall at a greater velocity, relative to the larger, lighter cob pieces
Data Source
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AI summary
A grain conveying apparatus and system for conveying and separating elements of a grain mixture of a first minimum size, such as cob pieces, and a second maximum size smaller than the first minimum size, such as grain or corn, including an upper passage having at least one aperture generally smaller than the cob pieces and larger than the grain or corn. As the grain mixture is conveyed through the upper passage, the cob pieces will pass across the apertures, and the grain or corn will pass through the apertures to the lower passage thereby separating the elements of the grain mixture as it is conveyed from a source bin to separate receiving bins.