Silo Support Structure with Annular Base and Equidistant Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silo groups face challenges in supporting both static and dynamic loads effectively, particularly due to complex leg designs that concentrate forces at specific points, leading to uneven stress distribution when empty or full of bulk material.
Innovation Solution
A silo group with a support structure featuring an annular support element that engages the bottom of the silo body continuously along its circumference, combined with equidistantly arranged legs and a robust attachment system that includes a weighing device and torsional damping mechanism to distribute and measure loads uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If legs are directly engaged at the bottom of the silo body to support elevated position, then the silo group can be positioned elevated from the ground, but the stress distribution becomes uneven and complex due to point engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple discrete legs (typically 3-4) that are equidistantly arranged around the silo body. Each leg independently supports a portion of the total load, transforming the concentrated point engagement into distributed point contacts. This segmentation allows the silo to be elevated while reducing the stress concentration that would occur with a single support point.
Solution Approach 2:
The support transitions from a single-point vertical engagement to a multi-point three-dimensional arrangement. The legs are positioned at different angular positions around the circumference of the silo bottom, creating a spatial distribution of support points. This dimensional change from 1D (single point) to 3D (multiple points in space) enables elevated positioning while improving stress distribution through geometric dispersion of loads.
2Reliability
If complex leg designs are used to support static and dynamic loads, then the silo group can maintain stability when empty or full, but the design complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates localized features at specific positions: weighing devices are positioned at the base of each leg to measure vertical loads, while torsional dampers are positioned to counteract rotational forces. This local placement of specialized components allows the overall leg design to remain relatively simple while providing enhanced stability through targeted functional elements at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for elevation, act as load-bearing elements for both static and dynamic forces, incorporate weighing capabilities through integrated sensors, and include torsional damping features. This multi-functionality is achieved by combining several subsystems within the unified leg structure, reducing the need for separate components and thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Temperature
If legs are positioned to engage the ground plane, then the silo body remains elevated, but the attachment system becomes problematic for securing both stability and adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates adjustable and adaptable features that allow the legs to be modified after installation. The connection between the legs and the silo bottom permits limited adjustment to accommodate installation tolerances and ground variations. This dynamic capability enables the attachment system to maintain stability while being easier to install and adjust compared to rigid fixed connections.
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 provides balanced support, evenly distributes weight across the legs, allows for simple attachment and adjustment, and effectively manages both static and dynamic loads, preventing stress concentration and facilitating accurate load measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the compression load cell 591 engaging the leg 5 and suitable to gauge the thrust action received
Implementation Method 2
the torsional damping device 580 suitable to damp the torsional actions present on the leg 5
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention is a U silo group (900) comprising a silo body (950) that extends in length around a silo axis (X- X) between a bottom (951) and a top (952). The silo group (900) comprises a support structure (1) that engages said bottom (951) by positioning the silo body (950) in an elevated position with respect to a ground plane (T). The support structure (1) comprises an annular support element (2) with a concentric circumferential extension with respect to the silo axis (X-X) and comprising an annular support surface (20) on which said bottom (951) rests. In addition, the support structure (1) comprises at least three silo legs (5), preferably four, arranged angularly equidistant from the silo axis (X-X), engaged to the annular support element (2).