Modular Silage Cover Weighting Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for ballasting silage tarpaulins in silo silos are inefficient, leading to non-uniform coverage, environmental hazards, and disposal challenges, as they rely on used tires that are cumbersome, environmentally harmful, and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a body with a lower surface for the tarpaulin and removable securing means, including straps with central and peripheral parts, allowing for uniform distribution and easy handling, made from elastic materials, and featuring adjustable connecting elements to form a mesh for optimal coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If used tires are used for ballasting the tarpaulin, then the tarpaulin can be weighted down to cover the silage, but the ballasting is non-uniform and tires pose environmental hazards and disposal difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ballasting function into modular ballasting devices that can be individually positioned and attached to the tarpaulin. Each device consists of a body with attachment means, allowing systematic distribution across the silage area rather than using scattered tires. This segmentation enables uniform coverage while eliminating environmental hazards associated with tire disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballasting devices are designed as simple, inexpensive structures that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The bodies can be made from readily available materials, and the modular design allows individual devices to be replaced without affecting the entire ballasting system, reducing long-term environmental impact.
2Reliability
If used tires are used for ballasting, then the tarpaulin can be secured, but the tires are bulky and difficult to handle and store
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the ballasting system into modular devices with standardized attachment mechanisms, the invention makes each unit easier to handle individually. The segmented design allows devices to be stacked, transported, and deployed more efficiently than bulky tires, while maintaining effective tarpaulin securing through systematic placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballasting devices are designed with universal attachment means that can be consistently applied across multiple units. The standardized bodies and attachment mechanisms allow for efficient handling, storage, and deployment, making the system more operationally convenient than irregularly shaped tires while maintaining securing effectiveness.
3Reliability
If traditional tire-based ballasting is used, then the tarpaulin can be weighted, but the distribution is irregular leading to fodder loss
Solution Approach 1:
The modular ballasting devices can be systematically positioned at regular intervals across the silage area, ensuring uniform weight distribution. Each segmented unit contributes equally to the overall ballasting, preventing the irregular spacing and weighting that occurs with tire-based systems, thereby reducing fodder loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies ballasting devices with consistent local characteristics throughout the tarpaulin surface. Each device has standardized weight and attachment properties, ensuring uniform local pressure distribution. This consistent local quality across all positions prevents the non-uniform ballasting that leads to fodder exposure and loss.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for weighting a cover (B) intended to cover forage added to silage in a silo. The weighting device (1) comprises a body (2) having a lower surface intended to rest on a portion of said cover (B). The body (2) is provided with means (3) for removably securing the weighting device (1) with at least one other identical weighting device (1) to be arranged in an adjacent position on said cover (B).