Pivoting Junction Box for Adjustable Elevation Auger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain carts with internal auger configurations face issues such as impaired grain flow, material leakage, and increased complexity and damage due to multiple augers, while those with adjustable elevation augers have limited range and compatibility with varying container heights, leading to grain spillage.
Innovation Solution
A grain cart equipped with a sealed corner auger having adjustable elevation, featuring a pivoting junction box and lift assembly that allows the auger housing to pivot between lowered and elevated positions, ensuring efficient unloading and minimizing grain loss by matching the discharge height to the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an internal auger structure is used within the hopper, then grain can be conveyed, but grain flow is impaired, grain leaks into the sump causing high start-up torque, and the depth of the hopper sump area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The auger structure is extracted from the internal hopper configuration and repositioned to extend outward from the hopper. This removes the interfering internal structure that was blocking grain flow and causing leakage into the sump, while the auger continues to perform its grain conveyance function externally.
2Productivity
If multiple augers are used in a double or triple auger configuration, then grain can be conveyed, but device complexity increases and the likelihood of material damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts from the multiple-auger approach and uses a single auger that extends outward from the hopper. This single auger configuration conveys grain from the hopper outlet to the discharge point without the complexity and increased material damage risk associated with multiple augers working in sequence.
3Device complexity
If the auger discharge height is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but compatibility with containers of different heights is limited leading to grain spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The auger assembly is made dynamic through the lift assembly mechanism that allows the auger housing and discharge end to be elevated or lowered relative to the hopper. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the discharge height to be matched to containers of various heights, preventing grain spillage while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A cart having an adjustable elevation auger. A junction box may located within the opening of a sump of a bin of a cart. The junction box may have an open top, closed bottom and sides, and back wall. The back wall of the junction box may be secured to a bin wall by a hinge such that the junction box may pivot about a pivot axis. An auger housing may be connected to and extend from the junction box. An auger may extend through the auger housing and have an intake end disposed within the junction box. The auger housing and auger may pivot with the junction box about a pivot axis between a lowered position and an elevated position. The auger may be a corner auger and may be a folding auger.