Grain Spreading Device with Spring-Suspended Cone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grain spreading devices require adjustment for specific flow rates and are sensitive to grain delivery angle and location, leading to potential overflow or uneven distribution in grain storage bins.
Innovation Solution
A grain spreading device featuring a flow-control ring with a movably suspended cone, adjustable legs, and a guide assembly that creates a variable opening, allowing for self-regulation of grain flow and even distribution regardless of flow rate or delivery angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional spreader is adjusted for a particular flow rate, then grain distribution is improved, but the spreader cannot accommodate changed flow rates without readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader employs a movable cone suspended by springs that can dynamically adjust its position based on flow rate changes. The cone moves vertically to create variable openings in the spreader bottom, allowing automatic adaptation to different flow rates without manual readjustment, thus maintaining even grain distribution across varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically adjusts the cone position and opening size in response to flow rate changes. The system self-regulates by allowing the cone to move against spring force when flow rate increases, and return to original position when flow rate decreases, eliminating the need for external control or manual intervention
2Productivity
If the flow rate is too high for the spreader, then productivity is improved, but grain overflows the spreader and spills into the center of the bin
Solution Approach 1:
The cone-spring mechanism dynamically responds to high flow rates by moving the cone downward against spring force, automatically increasing the opening size in the spreader bottom. This dynamic adjustment allows the spreader to accommodate higher flow rates without overflow, maintaining reliability across varying productivity conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of opening size in response to flow rate changes. When flow rate increases, the cone moves to create a larger opening, and when flow rate decreases, the cone returns to create a smaller opening, thus optimizing the spreader's performance across different productivity levels
3Manufacturing precision
If some spreaders are sensitive to the angle and location at which grain is delivered, then grain distribution precision is improved, but the spreader requires precise delivery conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cone suspended by springs provides dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for variations in grain delivery angle and location. The cone can move to different positions to create openings that accommodate off-center or angled grain flow, making the spreader less sensitive to delivery conditions while maintaining even distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader design with adjustable cone position creates a universal opening configuration that can handle various grain delivery scenarios. The system performs the same even distribution function whether grain is delivered centrally, off-center, or at different angles, eliminating the need for precise delivery conditions
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
Ensures even grain distribution across the bin bottom, preventing overflow and maintaining evenness even with varying flow rates and off-center grain delivery, enhancing storage bin efficiency and preventing issues with cooling and drying.
Implementation Method 1
a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force
Implementation Method 2
the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs
Data Source
AI summary
A grain spreading device for evenly distribute grain as it is poured into a storage bin. The grain spreading device generally includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an evenflow ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-control ring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs.