Monolithic Grain Bin Floor Support with Folded Stabilizers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grain bin floor support systems require extensive assembly, are not durable enough, and are inefficient in terms of material usage and compactness during transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic structural metal support system with integrated channels and rails, featuring a tab and slot interlocking mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and interconnection of support members, which are formed from a single sheet of steel to create a self-supporting structure with reduced material usage and improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional floor support members are used, then adequate support for grain bins is provided, but extensive assembly is required and material usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support members into a single monolithic formed structure that integrates multiple functions (support columns, floor beams, and stabilizing elements) into one piece. This eliminates the need for extensive assembly of separate components while using optimized material quantities through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing vertical support, creating floor structures, and offering stabilization features. This multi-functionality reduces the total material needed compared to conventional separate components while maintaining adequate support capabilities.
2Reliability
If conventional floor support members are used, then support functionality is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-formed as a complete monolithic unit with all necessary structural elements already integrated. This preliminary formation eliminates on-site assembly steps, reducing assembly time while ensuring the durability of the support structure is maintained through the integrated design.
3Strength
If conventional floor support members are used, then floor support is provided, but compactness during transportation and storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple support components into a single monolithic formed structure, the patent reduces the overall volume required for transportation and storage while maintaining the structural strength needed for floor support. The integrated design eliminates gaps and redundant space between separate components.
4Strength
If conventional floor support members are used, then basic support is achieved, but design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic formed structure allows for local variations in design characteristics at different positions within the single piece. This enables design flexibility and adaptability to different applications while maintaining overall structural strength, as each region of the monolithic structure can be optimized for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.