Advanced Silo Compaction Method for Agricultural Efficiency

Publication ID: 24-11856896_0001_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Silo Compaction Method for Agricultural Efficiency,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856896_0001_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856896_0001_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,896.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method for assisting a compaction-appropriate distribution of harvested material in a flat silo, but it had limitations in terms of real-time monitoring, dynamic weight distribution, and safety features. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing advanced technologies to optimize the compaction process, prevent accidents, and improve the quality of the ensiled material.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features such as real-time monitoring, dynamic weight distribution, collision avoidance, automated tool adjustment, and material analysis, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the prior art, making the new invention non-obvious and novel.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different types of sensors for real-time monitoring, varying the design of the dynamic weight distribution system, or incorporating additional safety features such as emergency stop systems. Variations could also include adapting the invention for use in different types of silos or with various types of harvested material.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in the livestock husbandry sector, where efficient and safe compaction of harvested material is crucial. The target market includes farmers, agricultural companies, and manufacturers of silo vehicles and related equipment.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01F25/183
A	A01	A01D43/0633
A	A01	A01F25/166

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

▼

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery and material handling systems, specifically focused on harvested material distribution and compaction in flat silos, involving mechanical engineering, control systems, and agricultural process optimization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with expertise in agricultural equipment design, familiar with silo vehicle control systems, material handling techniques, and sensor-based process optimization, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical or agricultural engineering

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technology by applying known sensor and control system techniques to enhance the existing material distribution method. The proposed improvements leverage standard engineering approaches to incrementally improve silo vehicle performance through real-time monitoring and adaptive control strategies. These modifications represent logical refinements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize harvested material compaction processes.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Control unit for ascertaining dry-substance density based on input variables

PTD Variation

Real-time monitoring system tracking material density and moisture levels

Obviousness Reasoning

Adding real-time sensor monitoring is a predictable enhancement using standard industrial control system techniques, representing a known method of improving process control with readily available sensing technologies

Source Patent Element

Distribution plate for material placement in flat silo

PTD Variation

Dynamic weight distribution system to optimize compaction

Obviousness Reasoning

Modifying the distribution mechanism to incorporate weight adjustment is an obvious design optimization using well-established mechanical engineering principles of load and force distribution

Source Patent Element

Control unit for regulating distribution tool positioning

PTD Variation

Collision avoidance system with automated tool adjustment

Obviousness Reasoning

Implementing safety and collision detection represents a standard engineering approach to improving machine operation, using known sensor and control integration techniques

Source Patent Element

Method for compaction-appropriate material distribution

PTD Variation

Material analysis system for adjusting distribution based on material properties

Obviousness Reasoning

Incorporating material property analysis is an obvious extension of existing density control methods, representing a logical application of sensing and adaptive control technologies

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed in this technical publication would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art when viewed in light of US Patent 11856896, as the proposed modifications represent predictable technological improvements using standard engineering techniques known in the field of agricultural machinery and material handling systems.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,896
Title	Method for assisting a compaction-appropriate distribution of harvested material in a flat silo
Assignee(s)	Deer & Company