Pre-spread Device for Grain Spreader Uniform Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grain spreaders face issues with non-uniform grain distribution, high manufacturing costs, insecure attachment of pre-spread funnels, and interference with bin lids, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A pre-spreading device with a cone-shaped guide and support bracket, featuring a cylindrical ring or disc with a central opening and a shelf that guides grain uniformly, securely attached via slots and pins, allowing for adjustable size compatibility with different augers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a pre-spread funnel is mounted to the top of the spreader to distribute grain toward the center, then grain distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and the funnel may become insecurely attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain distribution uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-spread device is merged with the spreader pan by forming an integral structure where the pre-spread device is attached to the inner surface of the spreader pan. This eliminates the need for separate funnel components and their associated attachment hardware, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining grain distribution uniformity through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-spread device is constructed from simple, inexpensive materials such as metal sheet or plastic that can be easily formed into the required shape. The design uses basic geometric features (raised portion, opening, shelf) that can be manufactured through simple forming processes rather than requiring expensive precision machining or assembly of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If a pre-spread funnel is mounted to the top of the spreader to assist grain distribution, then grain flow toward center is improved, but the funnel may fall or blow off due to insecure attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain distribution uniformityVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-spread device is merged with the spreader pan as an integral structure, eliminating separate attachment mechanisms that could fail. The device is formed as part of the pan assembly, ensuring it cannot fall or blow off while maintaining its grain distribution function through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-spread device is pre-formed with attachment features (such as tabs or integrally formed connections) that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These features are designed to securely engage with the spreader pan structure before operation, ensuring reliable attachment without requiring additional fastening steps or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the pre-spread funnel is spaced apart from the spreader pan to allow grain flow, then grain distribution is facilitated, but the funnel extends beyond the bin opening preventing lid closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain flow facilitationVSAvoidspatial configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-spread device is merged with the spreader pan as an integral structure that is contained within the pan's footprint. The device extends inward toward the center of the pan rather than outward beyond the bin opening, allowing the bin lid to close properly while still providing the necessary grain redistribution function through its internal geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-spread device utilizes the vertical and radial dimensions within the pan interior rather than extending in the horizontal dimension that would protrude beyond the bin opening. By positioning the device on the inner surface of the pan and orienting its opening toward the center, it achieves grain flow facilitation in the vertical drop path without interfering with bin lid closure in the horizontal plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If the pre-spread device is spaced apart from the spreader pan to allow grain flow, then grain distribution is facilitated, but the distribution optimization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain flow facilitationVSAvoiddistribution optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-spread device is merged with the spreader pan as an integral structure positioned in optimal proximity to the grain flow path. This close integration allows the device to effectively intercept and redirect grain from the auger discharge point toward the center of the pan, optimizing distribution without requiring excessive spacing that would reduce control over grain flow patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8123452B2Pre-spread device for grain spreader

Publication Date: 2012.02.28 SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO

AI summary

A grain spreading device that uses a pre-spreading device within a cone shaped guide to provide uniform distribution of grain. Specifically, the pre-spreading device has an opening therein such that a distance between the opening and the outer periphery of the pre-spreading device forms a shelf to direct grain toward the opening to provide a uniform distribution of the grain. Additionally, the pre-spreading device can have laser cut knockouts to adjust the pre-spreading device to a plurality of different spreading devices.