Advanced Flat Silo Material Distribution System
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent (Method for assisting a compaction-appropriate distribution of harvested material in a flat silo) addressed the need for efficient material distribution in flat silos. However, it did not account for the specific challenges posed by high-security facilities, extreme weather conditions, disaster relief operations, areas prone to natural disasters, and areas with limited access. The present invention bridges this gap by providing tailored solutions for these niche environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of the present invention lies in its provision of specialized flat silo distribution systems tailored to specific niche environments, which were not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step resides in the adaptation of the original method to these unique operational environments, resulting in systems that can efficiently and reliably compact material in high-security facilities, extreme weather conditions, disaster relief operations, areas prone to natural disasters, and areas with limited access.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the integration of advanced sensors to monitor material properties, the use of autonomous vehicles for enhanced mobility, or the incorporation of machine learning algorithms to optimize material distribution. Variations of the invention could also include adaptations for other niche environments, such as areas with limited resources or remote locations.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and disaster relief. The specialized flat silo distribution systems could be marketed to high-security facilities, such as government agencies or military bases, as well as to organizations involved in disaster relief operations or operating in areas prone to natural disasters. The invention could also be of interest to companies operating in areas with limited access or infrastructure.
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, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, control systems, and agricultural process optimization
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in agricultural equipment design, familiar with control systems, material handling techniques, and adaptive machinery for varying environmental conditions
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable adaptations of the source patent's core method by applying known engineering techniques to specialized operational environments. The fundamental compaction and distribution principles remain consistent, with modifications primarily involving control unit programming and vehicle component adaptations. These variations represent standard design iterations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to extend the original method's applicability.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
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 |