Single-Pass Grain Crusher with Pneumatic Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain processing methods, such as those described in U.S. Patents '408 and '783, face inefficiencies including low throughput, damage to germ pouches during handling and processing, and inadequate preservation of grain quality, leading to nutrient loss and the need for preservatives.
Innovation Solution
A system that pneumatically transports grain to a temperature and moisture-controlled cyclone, then uses a single-pass crushing machine with intermeshed roller pairs of varying teeth geometry and self-aligning bearings to crush grain without damaging the germ pouches, while controlling moisture and temperature to preserve grain quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard grinding methods are used to process grain, then throughput is high, but the germ pouches are destroyed resulting in nutrient loss and need for preservatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical grinding systems with a pneumatic processing system that uses air pressure and flow to process grain. The grain is suspended in an air stream and processed without direct mechanical contact, eliminating the crushing force that destroys germ pouches while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles throughout the processing system, using pressurized air to transport, suspend, and process grain particles. The pneumatic system allows grain to be processed in a fluidized state, enabling high-volume processing without the mechanical compression that damages germ pouches.
2Reliability
If multiple passes through the crusher are required to gently crush grain, then germ pouch integrity is preserved, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic processing system operates continuously, with grain flowing through the processing chamber in a constant stream. The continuous air flow ensures that all grain particles receive the same gentle processing action in a single pass, eliminating the need for multiple passes while maintaining germ pouch integrity and maximizing throughput.
3Reliability
If hand loading is used to prevent germ pouch damage, then grain quality is preserved, but labor requirements increase and throughput remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic conveyors and air streams to load and transport grain automatically. Grain is introduced into the processing chamber through controlled air flow, eliminating manual handling while maintaining the gentle processing conditions that preserve germ pouches. This automated pneumatic loading enables industrial-scale throughput.
4Productivity
If auger systems are used to transport grain in bulk, then throughput increases, but germ pouches are damaged during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical auger transport systems with pneumatic conveyance using controlled air streams. Grain particles are suspended and transported through air flow paths that minimize friction and mechanical contact, enabling bulk transport at industrial throughput levels without the crushing and rubbing actions that damage germ pouches in auger systems.
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
This system increases throughput, prevents germ pouch damage, and maintains grain quality by optimizing the crushing process, allowing for efficient processing of industrial quantities while minimizing nutrient loss and preservative use.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatically transporting grain from a truck in a receiving area to a temperature and moisture controlled cyclone and processing bin
Implementation Method 2
pneumatically transporting the grain from the cyclone and processing bin to a pre-crushing area
Implementation Method 3
crushing the grain in the single-pass crushing machine
Data Source
AI summary
A system of crushing and processing grain without destroying germ pouches in the grain by: (a) pneumatically transporting grain from truck to a cyclone and processing bin to a pre-crushing area; (b) dropping the grain from the pre-crushing area down into a single pass crushing machine while simultaneously releasing air from the pre-crushing area such that the grain falls from the pre-crushing area into a single-pass crushing machine under the force of gravity and is not blown down into the single-pass crushing machine; and then (c) crushing the grain in the single-pass crushing machine that has three or more roller pairs such that from one successive roller pair down to the next roller pair the grain is crushed smaller and smaller when moving downwardly in the machine. Also included are air locks with attached dust sleeves.