Silo Group Attachment System for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large silo groups face challenges in designing legs that effectively engage the ground plane to manage both static and dynamic loads when the silo is empty, full, or partially full of bulk material, leading to uneven stress distribution and potential instability.
Innovation Solution
A silo group design featuring an annular support element that engages the bottom of the silo body continuously around its circumference, combined with equidistantly arranged legs and a robust attachment system including a weighing device and torsional damping device, to distribute and manage loads evenly and securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional leg structures are used to engage the ground plane, then the silo group can be supported in an elevated position, but the design becomes complex and stress distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple discrete legs (typically three or four) arranged equidistantly around the silo body, with each leg independently engaged to the bottom. This segmentation allows each leg to be optimized for load bearing while simplifying the overall design compared to continuous support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the leg structure provides mechanical support, the attachment mechanism secures the leg to the silo bottom, and the positioning features ensure proper alignment. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation.
2Weight of moving object
If legs are positioned to engage the ground plane, then the silo body can be kept elevated, but stress concentration occurs at leg attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates localized reinforcement features at the leg-silo bottom interface, including strengthening ribs or gussets positioned precisely where stress concentration occurs. This local reinforcement distributes the load more evenly without requiring complex global structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system extends the load path from a single-point connection to a distributed connection across multiple dimensions. The leg attachment includes both vertical engagement with the silo bottom and horizontal positioning features, creating a three-dimensional attachment geometry that distributes stress more effectively.
3Productivity
If the bottom is positioned distal from the ground, then material can be discharged effectively, but the support structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are pre-positioned and secured to the silo bottom during assembly, establishing the elevated configuration before the silo is put into service. This preliminary setup ensures optimal discharge geometry is achieved without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable positioning features that allow the leg height and angle to be optimized for different operating conditions. This dynamic adjustability enables effective material discharge while maintaining a relatively simple basic structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention is a silo group (900) that extends in length around a silo axis (X-X) comprising a support structure (1) that engages the bottom (951) of the silo group (900) positioning the silo body (950) in an elevated position from the ground plane (T). Said support structure (1) comprises at least three silo legs (5), each comprising a substantially planar lower plate (52) parallel to the ground plane (T). The silo group (900) comprises an attachment system (500) suitable to allow each leg (5) to be attached to the ground plane (T). Said attachment system (500) comprises a bottom plate (510), attached to the ground plane (T), having a substantially planar extension parallel to the ground plane (T) and a plurality of centering elements (550) that extend in height from said bottom plate (510) engageable by the respective leg (5) in such a way that the leg (5) is axially spaced from said bottom plate (510).