Shaftless Auger Keeper Reduces Flexure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Shaftless augers have not been successfully integrated into larger truck bed hopper spreaders due to excessive flexure under load, leading to reduced efficiency in material transport.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shaftless auger with keepers and a lubricious bushing system, along with a replaceable wear plate, to maintain auger stability and prevent material loss during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a shaftless auger is used in a truck bed hopper spreader, then sticky material handling is improved, but auger flexure under load increases
Solution Approach 1:
A tensioning device is introduced as an intermediary component between the auger and the hopper structure. This device applies continuous tension to the auger, acting as a mediator that counteracts the flexure caused by the auger's flexibility while allowing the shaftless design to maintain its advantage of handling sticky materials effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the auger is changed from a purely flexible configuration to a pre-tensioned state. By applying tension through the tensioning device, the auger's operational parameters are modified to reduce excessive flexure while maintaining the flexibility needed for sticky material handling.
2Productivity
If a shaftless auger is used in a larger hopper spreader, then material transport efficiency is improved, but auger stability under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device serves as a stabilizing intermediary that connects the auger to the hopper structure. It provides the necessary support to maintain auger stability under load while allowing the shaftless design to continue operating efficiently for material transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device provides preemptive support to the auger before excessive flexure occurs. By maintaining continuous tension, it cushions the auger against the destabilizing effects of load-induced flexure, ensuring reliable operation throughout the material transport process.
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 solution effectively reduces auger flexure and enhances material transport efficiency, allowing for the successful use of shaftless augers in larger truck bed hopper spreaders.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricious bushing system
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader comprises a hopper for containing sand, salt or other granular material to be spread upon snow or ice on paved surfaces, the hopper being adapted to be installed in or on a bed of a truck, the hopper having a trough, a shaftless auger positioned in the trough, an auger motor for driving the auger, a spinner positioned at one end of the auger for slinging the granular material upon the snow or ice, a spinner motor for driving the spinner, and at least one keeper supported by the trough and extending over the auger for retaining the auger in place during operation and thereby reducing flexure of the auger and resulting loss of efficiency of material transport by the auger during operation of the spreader.