Weight-Sensitive Link for Bin Sweep Arm Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bin sweeps require manual operator intervention to adjust the bin sweep arm's position relative to the floor, exposing the operator to grain engulfment risks and potential structural damage from material weight, as they need to enter the bin to lower or raise the sweep arm for operation.
Innovation Solution
A weight-sensitive link mechanism, such as hydraulic or spring-loaded, automatically raises and lowers the bin sweep arm in response to changes in weight, connecting the bin sweep arm to a tractor drive unit, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and operator entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bin sweep arm is lowered onto the floor to prevent damage from material weight, then structural reliability is improved, but the operator must enter the bin which creates safety hazards and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bin sweep arm positioning system uses weight-sensitive links that automatically respond to load conditions. When the sweep arm contacts the floor or encounters material resistance, the weight-sensitive link detects the force and automatically adjusts the arm position, eliminating the need for operator intervention and manual blocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automatic weight-sensitive mechanical system. The weight-sensitive link uses force detection mechanisms (such as spring-loaded or hydraulic components) to sense when the sweep arm should be lowered or raised, automatically controlling the arm position based on operational conditions rather than manual operator action.
2Ease of operation
If the bin sweep arm is raised to provide clearance for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but components may be damaged by material weight bearing down on the arm
Solution Approach 1:
The bin sweep arm positioning is made dynamic through weight-sensitive links that continuously adjust the arm position based on real-time load conditions. The arm transitions between raised and lowered positions automatically in response to weight changes, allowing the system to adapt its configuration to current operational demands rather than remaining static.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight-sensitive link provides continuous feedback about the force applied to the bin sweep arm. When the arm encounters resistance from material or floor contact, the link detects this force and signals the need to lower the arm for protection. When the load decreases, the link indicates the arm can be raised for operation, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Reliability
If manual blocking is used to support the bin sweep, then structural protection is improved, but device complexity and operational time increase due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs its own support function through weight-sensitive links that automatically detect when blocking or floor contact is needed and execute the positioning independently. The bin sweep system serves itself by automatically managing its own structural protection without requiring external manual intervention or complex blocking procedures.
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
Automatically adjusts the bin sweep arm's position based on weight changes, preventing damage and eliminating operator exposure to grain, ensuring safe and efficient operation without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A weight-sensitive link mechanism, such as hydraulic or spring-loaded, automatically raises and lowers the bin sweep arm in response to changes in weight
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes an apparatus including a bin sweep arm, a floor support in contact with a floor surface, and a vertical adjustment assembly positioned between floor support and the bin sweep arm and connected to the floor support and the bin sweep arm, wherein the vertical adjustment assembly automatically raises the bin sweep arm off the floor surface and automatically lowers the bin sweep arm to the floor surface in response to changes in weight disposed on the bin sweep arm.