Peripheral Sweep Apparatus for Storage Bin Wall Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bin sweep apparatuses have difficulty reaching and collecting particles remaining along the peripheral wall of storage bins after the initial pass, as they are not effectively designed to engage particles adjacent to the peripheral wall, leading to incomplete cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral sweeping apparatus is mounted on the bin sweep apparatus, trailing behind it to engage and collect particles along the peripheral wall, with a broom structure that rests on the bin floor and a tether structure to connect it to the bin sweep apparatus, allowing for effective sweeping of particles towards the center for subsequent collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional bin sweep apparatus is used, then the central area of the bin can be cleaned effectively, but particles along the peripheral wall cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The bin sweep system is divided into two distinct sweeping components: a primary sweep apparatus for cleaning the central area and a peripheral sweep apparatus for cleaning along the peripheral wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific cleaning zone, with the peripheral sweep having extended reach capability specifically designed for wall-adjacent particle collection.
2Area of stationary object
If the peripheral sweeping apparatus is mounted at the outboard end trailing behind, then particles along the peripheral wall can be collected, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral sweep apparatus is integrated with the bin sweep apparatus by mounting it on the outboard end, combining two sweeping functions into a single unified system. The peripheral sweep trails behind the main sweep, allowing both components to work together on one pass through the bin, thereby expanding cleaning coverage without requiring separate operational systems.
3Productivity
If the broom structure maintains contact with the floor surface, then effective particle sweeping is achieved, but torque transfer may cause mechanical hindrance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the peripheral sweep apparatus and the bin sweep apparatus incorporates dynamic elements that allow the broom structure to maintain floor contact while accommodating variations in torque and mechanical stress. The system dynamically adjusts the engagement level based on operating conditions, ensuring consistent sweeping performance while preventing torque-induced mechanical failures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for moving particles across a floor surface of a storage bin having a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the floor surface. The system may comprise a bin sweep apparatus having an inboard end for locating toward to a central area of the bin and an outboard end for locating toward a peripheral area of the bin. The system may also comprise a peripheral sweeping apparatus configured to mount on the bin sweep apparatus to sweep particles on the floor surface adjacent to the peripheral wall toward the bin sweep apparatus. The peripheral sweeping apparatus may be mounted on the bin sweep apparatus toward the outboard end thereof.