Modular Paddle Sweep System for Clog-Free Bin Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bin sweep systems using augers often clog with particulate material, posing safety risks and operational challenges, as they are prone to jamming and require hazardous clearing processes.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage bin sweep system utilizing a series of interconnected paddles on an endless loop, powered by a motor unit and driven by a surface-engaging wheel system, allowing for safe and reliable movement of particulate matter across the bin floor to a central sump, with features like traction enhancement and pivotability for adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional augers with helical flighting are used to move particulate matter, then the sweep system can effectively clear material across the bin floor, but the augers become clogged or jammed with agglomerations of particulate material
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous helical flighting of conventional augers is segmented into discrete, spaced-apart flight elements. These segmented flights prevent agglomerations of particulate material from bridging across the auger, eliminating clogging while maintaining the scraping and moving function across the bin floor
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a continuous solid helical surface that traps material, the invention inverts the approach by using open, spaced flight elements that allow material to pass through. This inversion transforms the auger from a material-trapping structure to a material-moving structure that prevents accumulation
2Productivity
If conventional augers are used in the sweep system, then the system can move particulate matter to the sump, but clearing clogging matter from the flighting becomes dangerous to life and limb
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented flight design creates discrete, easily removable elements rather than a continuous welded helical structure. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to safely clear clogs by simply removing and cleaning individual flight segments without exposing themselves to dangerous rotating machinery
Solution Approach 2:
The modular flight element design enables operators to perform maintenance themselves without requiring specialized tools or dangerous disassembly procedures. The flights can be quickly removed, cleaned of accumulated material, and reinstalled, making the system self-maintainable by regular operators
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular sweep system with multiple units is used, then the system becomes highly adaptable to different bin configurations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweep system is divided into modular, interchangeable flight elements and support structures that can be configured in different patterns and lengths. This segmentation allows the same basic components to adapt to various bin sizes and shapes without requiring custom-designed systems for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions, allowing the same flight elements and support structures to serve multiple bin configurations. This universality reduces overall system complexity by using a common component library across different applications
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 system effectively clears particulate material from storage bins without clogging, ensuring safety and reliability by using paddles instead of augers, reducing the risk of jamming and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The drive unit may include a surface engaging portion configured to engage a surface below the sweep assembly and move the sweep assembly with respect to the surface, with the surface engaging portion comprising at least one surface engaging wheel resting on the surface of the bin
Implementation Method 2
The sweep assembly may also include a traction enhancement structure configured to increase traction of the drive unit on the surface below the sweep assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A modular storage bin sweep system utilizing paddles to sweep particulate matter across a floor may comprise a sweep assembly including at least two units connectable together. The assembly may comprise a plurality of interconnected paddles, a power unit configured to the paddles, a drive unit configured to move the sweep assembly with respect to a surface of the bin below the sweep assembly. In some embodiments, a traction enhancement structure may increase traction of the drive unit on the floor. In some embodiments, a pivot unit is configured to permit a degree of pivotability of the axes of the units with respect to each other, and may be combined with a drive unit. In some embodiments, the power unit includes a rotary electrical power transfer structure configured to transfer electrical power to the power unit when rotating in the bin.