Z-Shaped Galvanized Steel Grain Bin Floor Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain bin floor supports are difficult and costly to manufacture, particularly those with open designs that facilitate airflow, such as the Sukup Super Supports, which require wire welding and are not economical.
Innovation Solution
A floor support made from a single sheet of galvanized steel, cut and bent to form a Z-shaped design with flanges, notches, and openings, allowing for easy manufacturing without wire welding, improved airflow, and reduced material usage, using a progressive die system to create a stable and economical support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If wire welding is used to create open design supports, then airflow efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single formed support structure that provides both structural support and airflow channels without requiring separate welded components. The support integrates the frame, cross members, and airflow openings into one unified piece that is formed rather than assembled through welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding process with a forming process. Instead of joining separate metal pieces through wire welding, the support is created by forming a single sheet or section of metal into the desired shape with integrated openings, eliminating the need for welding operations.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If welded rod frame is used for support, then airflow distribution is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame structure and cross support members into a single formed component. The support includes a frame with integrated cross members that extend between opposite sides, creating both structural integrity and airflow pathways without requiring separate welding operations for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is replaced with a forming process where a single metal section is shaped into the final support structure. This forming operation creates the frame, cross members, and openings simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential welding operations and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate components are used for support, then structural stability is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple structural elements (frame, cross members, support legs) into a single formed support structure. This unified design maintains structural stability through integrated geometry while eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate components, significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel having a top surface, a bottom surface and flat ends. The floor support has a plurality of flanges and notches disposed within the top surface and a plurality of openings disposed through the sheet of galvanized steel. Positioned between each opening is a first bend. Positioned on either side of selected first bends is a second bend thereby forming a z-shaped floor support.