Sweep Auger Shield Assembly Grain Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grain spills over the back shield of a sweep auger in a grain bin, leading to grain accumulation on the floor, which is unsafe for workers and reduces the efficiency of grain collection.
Innovation Solution
A back shield coupled with an extension shield that increases the overall height of the back shield, deflecting grain back into the sweep auger to prevent spills and ensure safe walking conditions and efficient grain collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the back shield height is increased to prevent grain spillage, then grain collection efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into two separate components: a fixed back shield attached to the auger and a removable extension shield that can be added to increase height. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple basic structure while enabling height adjustment when needed, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension shield is designed to be removable and adjustable, allowing the shield height to be dynamically changed based on operational needs. When grain spillage occurs, the extension can be added; when not needed, it can be removed, maintaining system flexibility and avoiding permanent complexity.
2Loss of substance
If the back shield height is increased to deflect grain back into the auger, then grain loss is reduced, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the shield into modular back shield and extension shield components, each part can be manufactured using standard fabrication processes. The extension shield is a simple add-on piece that requires minimal custom manufacturing, making the overall system easier to produce while still preventing grain loss effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension shield acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the fixed back shield and the grain flow path. This intermediate element provides the additional height needed to deflect grain without requiring complete redesign of the entire shield structure, simplifying manufacturing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the extension shield is added to increase back shield height, then worker safety improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented shield design allows the safety-critical height extension to be added as a separate, simple component rather than integrating complexity into the main structure. This keeps the safety function distinct and manageable while minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension shield is designed as a simple, easily replaceable component that can be manufactured from basic materials. If damaged or worn, it can be quickly replaced without affecting the core auger system, maintaining safety while avoiding long-term complexity commitments.
Data Source
AI summary
A sweep auger shield assembly for inhibiting grain from being spilled over a sweep auger in a grain bin includes a sweep auger that has a back shield which is coupled to the sweep auger. An extension shield is provided that is mountable to the back shield of the sweep auger. Thus, the extension shield increases the overall height of the back shield. In this way the extension shield inhibits grain from passing over the back shield when the sweep auger is removing grain from a floor of a grain bin.