Sidewall Auger Circulation for Grain Bin Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grain bin entrapment remains a significant occupational hazard in agriculture, with high fatality rates due to suffocation from grain engulfment, despite conventional safety measures and training, as larger bins increase the risk of grain sticking to the bin walls during storage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system involving an auger attached to the grain bin's sidewall, powered to circulate grain from the bottom to the top, reducing grain attachment to the walls and minimizing moisture-related spoilage, thereby enhancing safety and reducing entrapment risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger grain bins are used to increase holding capacity, then productivity is improved, but the risk of grain entrapment and suffocation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a movable auger system that can be activated to circulate grain within the bin. The auger rotates to move grain from the bottom to the top and along the sidewalls, creating dynamic grain movement that prevents static accumulation and reduces entrapment risk in large bins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action through intermittent activation of the auger motor. The control system activates the auger at predetermined time intervals during grain storage, creating periodic circulation that prevents grain from settling and adhering to bin walls, thereby reducing suffocation hazards.
2Reliability
If conventional safety measures such as safety harnesses and lockout/tag-out procedures are implemented, then safety is improved, but grain bin entrapment cases still increase due to grain sticking to walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by activating the auger system before grain can adhere to the bin walls. The periodic circulation prevents grain from settling and sticking to sidewalls in the first place, eliminating the harmful effect rather than addressing it after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the natural tendency of grain to settle and adhere to walls (which creates harm) into a beneficial circulation pattern. By using the auger to move grain along the sidewalls in a controlled manner, the system transforms potential entrapment zones into active circulation paths that prevent harmful accumulation.
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 circulation of grain within the bin reduces grain bin entrapment by minimizing grain sticking to the walls, lowering moisture-related spoilage, and improving unloading efficiency, thus enhancing safety and reducing the risk of fatal accidents.
Implementation Method 1
activating a power source of the auger to cause the auger to gather grain from a bottom portion of the grain bin and convey the grain to a top portion of the grain bin
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein are intended for the reduction of grain bin entrapment. A method may include coupling at least a portion of a casing housing an auger to at least a portion of an inner sidewall of a grain bin. A method may include activating a power source of the auger to cause the auger to gather grain from a bottom portion of the grain bin and convey the grain to a top portion of the grain bin, thereby reducing an amount of the grain that is attached to the inner sidewall of the grain bin.