Modular Demountable Silo Segmentation for Storage Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional grain or hay storage methods, such as concrete barns or cylindrical metal silos, are expensive to construct, transport, and maintain, and offer inadequate protection against moisture and pests, while temporary ground storage exposes grain to contamination and damage.

Innovation Solution

A demountable silo system comprising interconnected V-shaped silo modules with lining panels, tension members, and an auger assembly, allowing for modular construction and easy expansion or repair, fabricated from tubular steel and sheet steel for efficient storage and transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional cylindrical metal silos are constructed in a metal fabrication factory and transported to site, then storage capacity is provided, but manufacturing cost is high, transportation difficulty increases, and maintenance cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The silo is divided into multiple modular sections that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. Each module includes standardized components such as conical hoppers, cylindrical bodies, and domed roofs that can be produced independently, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining total storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design creates universal components that can serve multiple functions and be reused across different silo configurations. The standardized modules can be arranged in various combinations to meet different storage requirements, reducing overall manufacturing cost through component standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If traditional cylindrical metal silos are constructed in a metal fabrication factory and transported to site, then storage capacity is provided, but transportation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidtransportation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The silo structure is segmented into smaller modular sections that can be transported more easily to the installation site. These modules can be assembled on-site to achieve the required total storage capacity, avoiding the transportation difficulties associated with moving large, monolithic silo structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If traditional cylindrical metal silos are constructed, then storage capacity is provided, but maintenance cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The modular construction allows individual sections to be accessed, removed, or replaced independently during maintenance operations. This segmentation significantly reduces maintenance costs by enabling targeted repairs rather than requiring complete silo shutdowns or complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design facilitates easy replacement of worn or damaged sections. Instead of maintaining entire silo structures, individual modules can be discarded and replaced with new or refurbished units, reducing long-term maintenance costs while preserving storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of manufacture

If ground storage with tarpaulin covering is used, then construction cost is reduced, but grain is exposed to moisture and ground-based attacks from rats, mice, mould and contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction costVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silo modules utilize lined structures with protective membranes or linings that provide effective barriers against moisture, pests, and contaminants. These flexible protective layers maintain low construction costs while offering superior protection compared to simple tarpaulin covers, preventing ground-based attacks from rats, mice, mould and contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9930837B2Demountable silo

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 ROWLING DAVID LEROY

AI summary

The present invention is directed generally to a demountable silo (10) comprising a series of interconnected silo modules (12A to 12F) constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. The silo modules such as (12A) are each of a substantially identical configuration and interconnected in a side-by-side and end-to-end relationship. The demountable silo (10) is designed to contain particulate material and configured depending on the nature of the material and its storage requirements. It will be appreciated that the provision of multiple silo modules such as (12A to 12F) together contains significantly more particulate material in a heap than a single silo module. The maximum storage capacity for the demountable silo (10) is determined largely by the angle of repose of the heaped particulate material.