Roof Support Frame for Open Containers Using Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support frames for open-top containers, such as those used for manure storage, face issues with corrosion due to exposure to aggressive substances and require complex, heavy, and costly structures, which are not durable and efficient in terms of material usage.
Innovation Solution
A support frame design featuring intersecting supports with a vertical strut for a self-supporting roof tarpaulin, where the tarpaulin is stretched between the strut and the container, avoiding direct contact with the container contents and using minimal materials, allowing for customization based on static requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vertical strut is used to stretch a tarpaulin over the container, then the roof can be created, but the strut submerges in the container contents and is permanently attacked by corrosive substances, limiting durability
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (vertical strut contacting container contents) is extracted from the system. The patent replaces it with supports arranged on the upper edge of the container, which do not contact the contents, thereby eliminating corrosion while maintaining the roof function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tarpaulin is positioned as an intermediary element that spans between the supports without requiring direct contact with the container contents. This mediator approach allows the structural supports to remain above the contents while still providing roof coverage.
2Reliability
If a self-supporting dome structure with longitudinal beams and cross beams is used, then the roof can be easily placed without components immersed in contents, but the structure is complex, heavy, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex dome structure is segmented into essential elements only: supports positioned at the upper edge and a tarpaulin stretched between them. Non-essential components like cross beams are eliminated, reducing complexity while maintaining the corrosion-resistant benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
Unnecessary structural elements (cross beams, complex trusswork) are extracted from the system. The patent demonstrates that a simple support-tarpaulin configuration suffices to provide both corrosion resistance and roof functionality without the overhead of complex structures.
3Reliability
If a self-supporting dome structure with multiple beams is used, then the roof can be placed without immersion in contents, but significantly more material is required, increasing weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
Excessive material is extracted from the structure. The patent shows that removing cross beams and complex bracing while retaining supports on the upper edge and a tarpaulin roof achieves corrosion resistance with minimal material, directly reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Material is applied locally where needed: supports are positioned only at the upper edge of the container where they provide maximum benefit without contacting corrosive contents, and the tarpaulin is stretched only where required to form the roof, avoiding unnecessary material throughout the entire structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support frame (1) for a roof (2) for an upwardly open container (3), in particular for a container (3) for agricultural inputs such as liquid manure, with several beams (5) intersecting at an intersection point (4), wherein each of the beams (5) has at least one free end (6) which can be connected to the container (3), wherein the support frame (1) has a strut (8) for a self-supporting roof tarpaulin (9), wherein the strut (8) extends substantially vertically upwards from the intersection point (4) of the beams (5) to form a mounting point (9') for a self-supporting roof tarpaulin (9) spaced apart from the beams.