Swing Auger Hopper Electric Drive Kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swing augers are heavy and difficult to manually manipulate, and hydraulically powered swing augers require the tractor to be in operation and necessitate user intervention to manipulate the valve, making them inefficient for positioning.
Innovation Solution
An electric drive kit with two drive assemblies, each with a pair of ground wheels and a motor, is attached to the hopper for remote-controlled movement, allowing the swing auger to pivot from a retracted to an extended position, enabling efficient positioning without manual labor or continuous tractor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional swing augers are used, then the structure is simple, but the device is heavy and difficult to manually manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an electric drive system. Electric motors mounted on the hopper drive wheels to rotate and move the swing auger, eliminating the need for manual lifting and positioning of the heavy auger assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing auger becomes self-moving through the electric drive system. The motors automatically propel the auger into position without requiring manual intervention to manipulate the heavy components, making the system self-sufficient for positioning operations.
2Power
If hydraulically powered swing augers are used, then the power is sufficient, but the tractor must be in operation and the user must manipulate a valve requiring user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power system with an electric power system. Electric motors mounted directly on the hopper provide the necessary power to drive the wheels and move the swing auger, eliminating the need for tractor operation and hydraulic valve manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power source from the tractor and places it directly on the swing auger hopper. The electric motors are mounted on the hopper structure itself, independent of the tractor's operational state, allowing the auger to be positioned without continuous tractor operation.
3Power
If hydraulically powered swing augers are used, then the power is sufficient, but the user must leave the tractor to manipulate the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The system becomes self-controlled with electric motors mounted on the hopper that can be operated remotely. The user can control the swing auger positioning from a distance without needing to physically manipulate valves or leave the tractor, eliminating time loss from manual valve manipulation.
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
Enables efficient and remote-controlled positioning of the swing auger, reducing manual effort and eliminating the need for continuous tractor operation, improving the usability and efficiency of swing auger manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric drive motor for driving said at least one ground wheel about its axis so as to drive movement of the hopper
Implementation Method 2
at least one ground wheel and an electric drive motor for driving said at least one ground wheel about its axis so as to drive movement of the hopper
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control drive kit for attachment to the hopper of a swing auger for driving movement of the hopper relative to the main auger includes a first drive assembly mounted on the base wall of the hopper adjacent a front edge and a second drive assembly mounted on the base wall adjacent a rear edge. Each drive assembly is mounted approximately midway across the base wall and includes a pair of drive wheels and a separate motor and is carried on a bracket arrangement which allows adjustment in a direction toward and away form the edge to accommodate different types of hopper.