Skeletonized Sweep System for Grain Bin Floor Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sweep systems for full elevated floor grain bins are cumbersome and require manual installation and removal, posing safety risks and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with larger grain bins.

Innovation Solution

A sweep system with an elongated body connected to a pivot point at the center of the grain bin, featuring a skeletonized head section for grain removal and an agitator with an impeller to facilitate grain movement, while a scraper moves grain into the path of the sweep.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If temporary sweeps are used to remove grain from the bin, then grain removal effectiveness is improved, but the need for manual installation and removal creates safety risks and operational inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrain removal effectivenessVSAvoidmanual installation and removal requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sweep system transitions from a static temporary installation to a dynamic automated system that rotates and moves grain automatically. The sweep mechanism is mounted on a rotating platform that can dynamically adjust its position and operation throughout the grain bin, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining effective grain removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automated sweep system performs grain removal operations autonomously without requiring human entry into the bin. The system includes self-contained drive mechanisms, grain conveyance systems, and control systems that enable the sweep to service itself and perform its function independently, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If a centrally positioned sump is used alone for grain removal, then the structure is simple, but a coned ring of grain remains that cannot be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesump configuration simplicityVSAvoidgrain removal completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The grain removal system is segmented into multiple functional components: a centrally positioned sump for initial grain collection and a rotating sweep mechanism for addressing the coned ring of grain. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function effectively, with the sump handling bulk removal and the sweep clearing remaining grain, thereby achieving complete grain removal without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the centrally positioned sump system with a rotating sweep mechanism into an integrated grain removal system. The sweep mechanism feeds grain toward the sump, combining the advantages of both approaches: the structural simplicity and central collection capability of the sump with the effective grain-moving capability of the sweep, thereby removing both bulk grain and the coned ring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual entry into the grain bin is required for sweep installation, then the sweep can be properly positioned, but safety risks and operational inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesweep positioning accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks from manual entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical positioning process is replaced with an automated mechanical positioning system. The sweep mechanism includes self-contained drive systems, positioning mechanisms, and control systems that automatically position and orient the sweep correctly within the bin, eliminating the need for manual entry while maintaining precise positioning through engineered mechanical and electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Area of stationary object

If larger sweeps are used for larger grain bins, then grain removal coverage is improved, but the weight and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesweep coverage areaVSAvoidsweep system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sweep system uses dynamic rotation and movement mechanisms to achieve comprehensive grain removal coverage without requiring excessive weight. Rather than using a static oversized sweep structure, the system employs a rotating platform with sweep mechanisms that can dynamically reach different areas of the bin, reducing structural weight while maintaining effective coverage through motion and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12275604B2Sweep system for full elevated floor grain bins

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO

AI summary

A full floor sweep system having a skeletonized head section to facilitate removal of grain from a grain bin. The sweep system having an elongated body extending a length between an inward end and an outward end and having a leading side and a trailing side. The elongated body is connected to a pivot point at the center of the grain bin and is configured to rotate around the pivot point. An agitator is connected to the outward end of the elongated body and is configured to agitate grain as the elongated body rotates around the pivot point. The agitator includes an impeller that is connected to a shaft that extends through the elongated body. A scraper is positioned at the outward end of the elongated body and is configured to move grain into the path of the elongated body.