Grain Unloader Conveyor Housing Cross-Section Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain unloading systems in agricultural devices require significant power to achieve high grain delivery rates, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a directional transition region with a reduced cross-sectional area in the unloader conveyor system, optimizing the flow of grain between segments to reduce power consumption while maintaining delivery rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the unloader conveyor operates at high speed to achieve high grain delivery rates, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the housing cross-section. Specifically, the housing cross-sectional area is reduced in the region downstream of the directional transition, changing the physical parameter of the conveyance path to reduce power consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating a non-uniform housing cross-section where the cross-sectional area varies along the length of the unloader conveyor. The housing has a larger cross-section at the inlet and a reduced cross-section downstream, optimizing the flow characteristics locally to reduce power requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the housing cross-sectional area is reduced to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but grain flow capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature principles by designing a smooth, gradual transition in the housing cross-sectional area rather than an abrupt reduction. The curved transition region ensures continuous grain flow without disruption, maintaining conveyance capacity while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the housing into different regions with different cross-sectional areas. The housing is divided into an upstream region with larger cross-section and a downstream region with reduced cross-section, allowing optimized performance in each zone while maintaining overall functionality.
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 configuration results in a significant reduction in power usage while maintaining comparable grain conveyance rates, exemplified by a reduction from 17 inches to 15 inches in diameter, demonstrating improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An unloader conveyor typically includes an elongate, enclosed tubular housing containing a helical auger
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural device for unloading of grain including an unloader conveyor includes a first enclosed housing having an inlet end including an opening for receiving grain. A second enclosed housing having an opposite outlet end includes a discharge opening through which the grain can be discharged. An unloader conveyor element extends through the housing between the ends and is operable for conveying the grain through the housing from the inlet end and discharging the grain through the discharge opening. The unloader conveyor element has a first unloader conveyor segment in operative association with a second unloader conveyor segment downstream of the first unloader conveyor segment. A directional transition region is positioned between the first unloader conveyor segment and the second unloader conveyor segment. At least a portion of the second housing near the directional transition region includes a region having reduced cross-sectional area.