Segmented Bin Sweep System for Even Grain Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bin sweep systems unevenly remove contents from storage bins, leading to asymmetrical loading that can distort bin side walls and potentially cause failure, as they start removing material from one circumferential location, concentrating grain particles at the side walls due to initial gravity-induced flow.
Innovation Solution
A segmented bin sweep system with independently movable sweep segments, including an inner and outer sweep segment, that first removes grain from the central region and then from the peripheral region, distributing the load more evenly by moving particles toward a central well, utilizing a center post and particulate sweep structures with paddles to facilitate balanced unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bin sweep system removes contents from one circumferential location, then the unloading process is simplified, but asymmetrical loading occurs that distorts bin side walls
Solution Approach 1:
The bin sweep system is divided into multiple independently controllable sweep segments (first sweep segment, second sweep segment, third sweep segment) that can operate simultaneously at different circumferential locations. This segmentation allows the system to remove contents from multiple locations around the bin perimeter, distributing the loading stress evenly across all side walls while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control.
2Productivity
If grain particles are concentrated at side walls due to gravity-induced flow, then initial unloading is facilitated, but uneven loading increases stress on bin side walls
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using the first sweep segment to remove grain particles from the central region before the second and third sweep segments address peripheral regions. This preliminary removal of central grain prevents the concentration of grain particles at side walls, thereby facilitating initial unloading while simultaneously distributing loading stress evenly across bin side walls.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sweep segments are assigned to different spatial zones within the bin: the first sweep segment handles the central region, while the second and third sweep segments handle peripheral regions. This local quality assignment ensures that grain particles are removed from specific locations in a controlled sequence, preventing concentration at side walls and distributing stress evenly throughout the bin structure.
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 reduces uneven loading on bin side walls, preventing distortion and potential failure by evenly distributing the grain particles from the central and peripheral regions to the central well, ensuring balanced stress distribution during the unloading process.
Implementation Method 1
The sweep assembly may comprise at least two sweep segments including a first sweep segment and a second sweep segment with the first sweep segment being located toward the inboard end and the second sweep segment being located toward the outboard end
Implementation Method 2
Each of the sweep segments may have a particulate sweep structure including a plurality of paddles for moving the particulate material toward the center post
Implementation Method 3
concentrating grain particles at the side walls due to initial gravity-induced flow
Data Source
AI summary
A bin sweep system for a bin having a floor surface and a central well may comprise a center post defining a common center and a sweep assembly configured to move across the floor surface of the bin and having an inboard end and an outboard end. The sweep assembly may comprise at least two sweep segments including a first sweep segment and a second sweep segment, with the first sweep segment being located toward the inboard end and the second sweep segment being located toward the outboard end. At least one of the sweep segments may be movable about the center post substantially independently of another of the sweep segments.