Saddle-Shaped Deflector Ramp for Even Storage Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage apparatuses suffer from poor object distribution, leading to objects piling up in specific areas and obstructing the opening, preventing further deposition despite the apparatus not being full, especially in low-height configurations.

Innovation Solution

A saddle-shaped deflector with a negatively curved, hyperbolic paraboloid ramp is installed within the storage apparatus to direct objects efficiently into specific parts, minimizing kinetic energy loss and ensuring even distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a conventional storage apparatus is used without a deflector, then the structure is simple, but objects pile up in specific areas and obstruct the opening, reducing storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a saddle-shaped deflector with negative curvature (hyperbolic paraboloid geometry) to redirect objects entering the storage apparatus. This curved surface distributes objects evenly across the storage area, preventing pile-up at the opening and maximizing storage capacity without adding complex mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Area of stationary object

If the storage apparatus has low height, then the footprint area is reduced, but objects bounce and tip, causing poor distribution and opening obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootprint areaVSAvoidobject distribution stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle-shaped deflector's negative curvature surface guides objects smoothly into the storage apparatus, preventing bouncing and tipping that occur in low-height configurations. The curved geometry stabilizes object trajectories, ensuring even distribution across the limited vertical space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the deflector surface by using negative curvature (saddle shape) instead of flat or positive curvature surfaces. This parameter change modifies object trajectories, preventing unstable bouncing behavior in low-height apparatus while maintaining compact footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If objects are deposited directly into the storage apparatus without deflection, then the deposition process is simple, but kinetic energy loss occurs due to bouncing, reducing filling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling efficiencyVSAvoidkinetic energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle-shaped deflector uses its curved surface to guide objects smoothly into the storage apparatus, minimizing abrupt impacts and bouncing. This reduces kinetic energy loss and improves filling efficiency by directing objects along optimized trajectories

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector acts as an intermediary element between the object source and the storage apparatus. It mediates the deposition process by controlling object trajectories, reducing energy loss from direct impacts and bouncing, thereby improving filling efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250371923A1Saddle shaped deflector for a storage apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

An object deflector for installation within a storage apparatus. The object deflector includes an attachment portion for coupling the object deflector to the storage apparatus. The object deflector also includes a deflection ramp that is saddle shaped. The deflection ramp extends from the attachment portion. The deflection ramp is operable to receive an object entering the storage apparatus and direct the object to an interior portion of the storage apparatus.