PTO-Driven Auger Apparatus for Silo Bag Grain Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Silo bags for grain storage are costly, require frequent maintenance, generate plastic waste, and are cumbersome to handle, with inefficient filling processes and limited capacity, necessitating multiple bags and time-consuming setup at non-ideal locations during harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A material handling apparatus with a drive train connected to a tractor's PTO, featuring large augers and adjustable wheels, capable of cutting silo bags to access grain, and a tapered leading edge for efficient grain collection and transfer, reducing waste and handling burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If silo bags are used for grain storage, then grain can be stored in mobile bulk storage with low capital cost, but the bags require frequent maintenance, generate plastic waste, and are cumbersome to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grain from the silo bag environment and conveys it directly to the vehicle, eliminating the need to handle and set up silo bags. The apparatus cuts into the silo bag and extracts grain directly, removing the cumbersome bag handling process entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is self-propelled and can autonomously navigate to the silo bag, cut into it, and convey grain without requiring multiple persons for setup and handling. The system serves itself by integrating propulsion, cutting, and conveying functions in one unit.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hydraulic drive systems are used, then parts can be rotated, but the system is complex and cannot transfer high loads for large augers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional hydraulic drive system with a direct mechanical drive system. The PTO shaft from the tractor directly drives the augers through mechanical connection, eliminating hydraulic components and reducing system complexity while enabling high load transfer for large augers.
3Productivity
If multiple small capacity augers are used, then the apparatus can operate, but the collection and delivery capacity is limited requiring multiple bags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection auger and delivery auger into a single integrated apparatus with continuous grain flow. The grain is collected and conveyed in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and multiple bags that would be required with smaller capacity systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If silo bags are set up at distal locations from harvesting, then clean and level sites are available, but time is consumed carting grain to and from the bags
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus extracts grain directly from the silo bag at its location and conveys it to the waiting vehicle on-site. This eliminates the need to cart grain to distal locations where silo bags are set up, saving time by performing the operation at the harvesting location itself.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enables efficient and high-capacity grain collection and transfer, reducing the need for multiple silo bags, minimizing waste, and simplifying the handling process by using larger augers and a direct PTO drive system, while allowing operation on uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a collecting unit having a first auger, and a discharging unit having a second auger
Implementation Method 2
a drive train for operatively connecting the apparatus to the power take off (PTO) of the towing vehicle such as a tractor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to material handling apparatus comprising a collecting unit having a first auger, and a discharging unit having a second auger, the collecting unit being adapted for receiving a portion of the second auger, wherein the collecting unit comprises an opening providing access to the second auger permitting material collected by the collecting unit at the first location to be delivered into the discharging unit for conveying the material via the second auger to the second location. In a particular arrangement, the collecting unit comprises a feeding chamber located adjacent the opening and spaced apart from the opening defining spacing between the opening and the feeding chamber.