Automated Mobile Grain Bagger Parallel Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain cart cycling processes are inefficient due to prolonged cycle times, which lead to reduced field efficiency and increased costs, especially when using plastic silo bags that are distant from the harvesting location, requiring additional equipment and manpower to manage grain transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
An automated mobile grain bagger system that includes a wheeled vehicle frame, bag attachment, hopper, grain distributor, prime mover, braking system, steering system, controller, braking control system, and steering control system, allowing for parallel processing of grain transportation and storage, and enabling precise control of grain bag filling and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If grain is stored in plastic silo bags distant from harvesting location, then storage capacity is increased, but grain cart cycle time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the grain storage and transfer operation into two independent parallel processes: (1) grain cart cycling between harvester and accumulation site, and (2) grain transfer from accumulation site to bags. This segmentation allows the grain cart to complete its cycle quickly without waiting for the slow bag filling process, thus reducing cycle time while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
An accumulation site acts as an intermediary buffer between the harvester and the distant bag storage. Grain is first dumped at the accumulation site, then transferred to bags in parallel. This intermediary enables decoupling of the grain cart cycle from the bag filling process, reducing overall cycle time while preserving storage capacity.
2Device complexity
If traditional grain cart cycling is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but field efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulation site functions as a self-service intermediate storage that automatically receives grain from the cart via gravity dumping and makes it available for parallel transfer to bags. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex coordinated control systems while improving field efficiency through parallel processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional equipment is used for distant bag storage, then storage flexibility is increased, but system complexity and manpower requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulation site serves as a simple intermediary structure that provides storage flexibility for distant bag locations without requiring complex equipment. It accepts grain via gravity dumping and feeds it to parallel transfer equipment, maintaining adaptability while minimizing system complexity and manpower needs.
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
The automated system reduces grain cart cycle time, increases field efficiency, decreases the need for additional equipment, and minimizes manpower requirements, ensuring smoother and more precise grain loading into bags, thereby enhancing overall harvesting and storage operations.
Implementation Method 1
The bulk unloading grain further includes gravity dumping of grain from the grain cart such as dumping from the bottom, side, and rear of the grain cart
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the debottlenecking of grain harvesting and grain bagging comprises a set of steps. Grain is transported in a grain cart from a harvester at a harvesting location to an accumulation site. Grain is bulk unloaded crop from the grain cart at an accumulation site by, for example, gravity dumping through a rear door of the grain cart. The cart returns to the harvester; and the grain at the accumulation site is transferred into a silo storage bag. The steps of transporting the grain, bulk unloading the grain, and returning the cart comprise a first process. The step of transferring the grain from the accumulation site into a bag comprises a second process. The first process and second process proceed in parallel.