Load Cell Retrofit for Elevated Feed Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed bin monitoring systems are labor-intensive and costly to retrofit, requiring manual inspection and posing safety risks, especially in adverse weather conditions, due to their incompatibility with existing feed bins.
Innovation Solution
A bin monitoring system that includes a load cell and support plate secured to a mounting pad, with an inner leg mount and outer bracket configuration allowing secure attachment to tower legs without direct connection to the mounting pad, enabling weight measurement of the feed bin and remote data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load cells are positioned on a concrete slab underneath the bin legs, then feed level monitoring is achieved, but retrofitting existing bins becomes costly and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into modular components: load cells are integrated into individual leg assemblies rather than requiring a complete slab installation. Each leg assembly with its load cell can be independently installed or replaced, making retrofitting simpler and less costly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure that connects the load cell to the existing bin leg. This intermediary assembly allows the load cell to be mounted without requiring direct integration into the concrete slab or complete disassembly of the bin structure, facilitating easier retrofitting.
2Reliability
If manual inspection of feed bins is performed, then feed levels can be monitored, but labor intensity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-monitoring of feed levels through load cells that continuously measure the weight of the bin and calculate feed levels. This eliminates the need for manual inspection by personnel climbing ladders, reducing both labor intensity and safety risks while maintaining reliable monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual inspection process with an electronic sensing system. Load cells provide automatic weight-based measurement, substituting the need for human operators to physically access and visually inspect the bins, thereby improving ease of operation.
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
Facilitates easy retrofitting of existing feed bins without lifting the tower legs, allowing for continuous feed level monitoring and reducing labor and safety risks, while enabling remote data access for efficient feed management.
Implementation Method 1
The load cells measure the weight of the bin to determine the amount of the feed in the bin
Data Source
AI summary
A bin monitoring system is useable with an elevated feed bin having a plurality of legs that support the bin above a pad so that each leg is connected to the pad through a load cell. The system includes an inner leg mount configured to be attached to a leg, the inner leg mount having an upper portion, and an outer bracket mounted on the load cell. The outer bracket receives the inner leg mount such that a bolt aperture in the outer bracket aligns with a bolt aperture in the upper portion of the inner leg mount and is secured with a threaded bolt. Rotation of the threaded bolt moves the inner leg mount toward the outer bracket to lift the leg so that the leg is supported by the load cell.