Modular Paddle Sweep System for Grain Bin Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auger-based bin sweep systems often clog with particulate material, posing safety risks and operational challenges, as they are prone to jamming, especially with materials like grain.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage bin sweep system utilizing a series of interconnected paddles on an endless loop, powered by a motor unit positioned at the inboard end and driven by a surface-engaging wheel unit at the outboard end, allowing for adaptable and safe clearing of particulate matter across the bin floor.
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 and jammed with agglomerations of particulate material
Solution Approach 1:
The auger is segmented into discrete paddle elements spaced along the endless loop, transforming the continuous helical flighting into separate, non-contacting segments that prevent material bridging and clogging while maintaining conveying capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a continuous helical surface to push material, the system inverts the approach by using discrete paddles that lift and deposit material, reversing the conventional auger mechanism to eliminate clogging issues
2Productivity
If conventional augers are used to move particulate matter, then the sweep system can clear material towards the sump, but clearing clogging matter from the flighting becomes dangerous to life and limb
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented paddle design allows each element to be independently removed or serviced without exposing operators to the hazards of disassembling a continuous, potentially jammed auger system
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle elements are designed to be easily detached and cleaned individually, enabling operators to maintain the system safely without requiring complex disassembly or exposure to dangerous rotating components
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular sweep assembly 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 assembly is divided into modular units that can be connected in series, with each unit containing standardized components that simplify the overall structure despite the increased number of elements
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular unit is designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized components that allow the same basic unit to serve multiple positions and configurations, reducing the variety of unique parts needed
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 prevents clogging and enhances safety by using paddles to move particulate matter, reducing the risk of jamming and ensuring reliable operation, even with challenging materials like grain, while allowing for adjustable traction and flexibility in surface engagement.
Implementation Method 1
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.