Rotating Granular Material Tote With Auto-Opening Spread Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution vehicles face inefficiencies and costs in transporting granular materials like grit and de-icing materials to spreading locations, especially during weather events, and current storage containers lack adequate protection and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A granular material spreading system comprising a tote with a movable cover and a spreading frame that engages with a loading machine, allowing on-site storage and efficient material distribution, featuring a design that includes flaps for protection and an auger for material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If centralized storage locations are used for granular materials, then material storage is simplified and organized, but distribution vehicles must travel through snow and ice to retrieve materials, increasing time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the centralized storage system into multiple decentralized on-site storage totes distributed at various locations. Each tote is independently equipped with spreading mechanisms, eliminating the need for centralized retrieval and distribution vehicle travel through adverse weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single centralized storage location to a distributed network of storage points across different spatial locations. This dimensional expansion allows materials to be stored and spread at multiple points simultaneously, eliminating travel time through snow and ice.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distribution vehicles transport granular materials to spreading locations, then materials can be delivered to various sites, but time and costs associated with vehicle operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The on-site totes are equipped with self-contained spreading mechanisms including augers and covers that can operate autonomously. The system allows materials to be spread automatically without requiring external distribution vehicles, enabling the storage units to serve themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines storage and spreading functions into a single integrated on-site unit. The tote structure merges material containment with automated dispensing mechanisms, eliminating the separate distribution vehicle step in the material delivery process.
3Reliability
If storage containers are designed with protective covers, then material damage is minimized, but the covers must be opened for material flow, adding operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a dynamic component that automatically transitions between closed and open states based on operational needs. The cover includes flaps that can be positioned to block or allow material flow, eliminating the need for manual opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of opening and closing covers is replaced with an automated system. The auger mechanism automatically opens the cover by engaging with the flaps, and the cover closes automatically when material flow is complete, eliminating manual intervention.
4Loss of time
If on-site storage systems are implemented, then retrieval time is reduced, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The tote structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides material storage, protects materials with integrated covers, enables automated spreading through built-in augers, and facilitates easy opening/closing through flap mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and systems.
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 system enables efficient, on-site spreading of granular materials without the need for centralized retrieval, reducing time, costs, and minimizing material damage, while ensuring effective distribution and flow.
Implementation Method 1
When the spreading frame is disengaged from the tote, the cover releases energy to provide a closing force such that the cover is moved toward the closed position blocking the opening
Implementation Method 2
The finger presses against the cover of the tote providing a force on the cover such that the cover is pushed away from the opening to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A granular material spreading system is provided. The granular material spreading system includes a spreading frame and a tote. The tote is configured to receive a granular, spreadable material and includes an opening allowing the granular material to exit the tote. The tote exit opening is opened by the spreading frame during spreading. When the spreading frame is coupled to the spreading machine, the tote is rotatable by the spreading machine between a storage position in which the opening in the tote is facing horizontally toward the spreading machine and a spreading position in which the opening in the tote is facing the ground surface.