Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Next-Gen Silo Material Distribution System

Publication ID: 24-11856896_0005_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Next-Gen Silo Material Distribution System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856896_0005_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856896_0005_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 addressed the need for efficient material distribution in flat silos, but its limitations in terms of real-time monitoring, autonomous operation, and secure tracking of harvested materials necessitate a next-generation solution that can leverage emerging technologies to revolutionize the industry.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in silo management by integrating IoT, AI, blockchain, and autonomous drones, which collectively enable real-time monitoring, autonomous operation, and secure tracking of harvested materials. These features are not anticipated by the original patent and represent a significant inventive step forward.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of other types of sensors, such as acoustic or optical sensors, or the integration of additional AI-powered modules for predictive maintenance or supply chain optimization. Variations of the system could also be designed for specific types of harvested materials or silo configurations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The next-generation silo management system has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in regions where large-scale farming operations are prevalent. The system's ability to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and provide secure tracking of harvested materials could disrupt the existing market and create new opportunities for farmers, suppliers, and buyers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01F25/183
A A01 A01D43/0633
A A01 A01F25/166

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery and silo management systems, focusing on harvested material distribution and compaction technologies. Requires expertise in mechanical engineering, agricultural engineering, control systems, and precision agriculture techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with a bachelor's or master's degree in agricultural or mechanical engineering, familiar with sensor technologies, control systems, material handling equipment, and advanced agricultural automation techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating IoT, AI, and autonomous technologies into existing silo management systems represents a natural technological progression. The source patent's fundamental method of optimizing material distribution provides a clear technical foundation for introducing advanced monitoring and control technologies. The proposed variations leverage well-established engineering principles of sensor integration, machine learning, and automated control systems to enhance existing silo management methodologies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Control unit for ascertaining dry-substance density and managing distribution of harvested material
PTD Variation
IoT sensor network and cloud-based AI platform for real-time silo condition monitoring and optimization
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of existing control system technologies, using known sensor integration and machine learning techniques to enhance existing material distribution methods
Source Patent Element
Distribution plate for managing material placement in silo
PTD Variation
Autonomous drone swarm with specialized compaction tools for dynamic material distribution
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical technological progression applying robotics and autonomous systems to existing material handling techniques, representing an obvious design choice for improving precision and efficiency
Source Patent Element
Method for controlling material distribution based on input variables
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based ledger for tracking material origin, quality, and quantity
Obviousness Reasoning
Natural integration of digital tracking technologies into existing agricultural management systems, representing a predictable application of distributed ledger technologies
Source Patent Element
User interface linked with control unit for managing distribution process
PTD Variation
AI-driven platform integrating multiple data sources for holistic farm management
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious technological evolution of existing control interfaces, leveraging known machine learning and data integration techniques to expand system capabilities
Source Patent Element
Modifiable distribution plate with adjustable spacing and vertical attitude
PTD Variation
Modular silo system with interchangeable and upgradeable components
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable design approach extending existing principles of adaptable mechanical systems, representing a standard engineering solution for technological flexibility
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856896's fundamental teachings of silo material distribution, the present technical disclosure demonstrates that the proposed variations would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The integration of IoT, AI, autonomous systems, and blockchain technologies represents a straightforward technological progression that would have been readily conceived by a skilled practitioner using standard engineering methodologies and known technological solutions.

Original Patent Information

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