Adjustable Spreading Discs for Homogeneous Bedding Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing livestock bedding material spreading installations face challenges in adapting to varying building designs, require manual towing or pushing, and struggle with homogeneous distribution and easy obstacle navigation.

Innovation Solution

A spreading installation with adjustable spreading discs, a hopper having two closable unloading and two additional draining outlets, and a guide path for autonomous movement, allowing for variable working width and easy obstacle crossing, with optional gravity flow conduits for enhanced spreading efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the spreading installation is towed or pushed by a motor vehicle, then the installation can be moved to different locations, but it requires manual operation and has constraints on size and handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operation requirementVSAvoidautonomous movement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The spreading installation is equipped with autonomous movement means including guide path means and drive means, enabling it to move and operate independently without requiring towing or pushing by a motor vehicle. The system serves itself by integrating navigation and propulsion capabilities directly into the installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spreading discs are fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the working width cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking width variationVSAvoidsupport frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is designed with adjustable positioning capability that allows the spreading discs to be moved closer together or further apart. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables variation in working width while maintaining structural integrity through the coupling of the support frame to the hopper.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the hopper has only discharge ports at the bottom, then the structure is simple, but the hopper cannot be efficiently emptied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehopper emptying efficiencyVSAvoidhopper outlet structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hopper is equipped with multiple outlets including two discharge ports at the bottom and two additional drain outlets positioned higher on the hopper. This segmentation of discharge locations allows for complete and efficient emptying of the hopper by enabling material to exit from multiple positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the spreading installation operates on the ground, then it is stable, but it cannot easily cross obstacles on the ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle navigation capabilityVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The guide path means is positioned above and at a distance from the ground, allowing the spreading installation to operate in an elevated dimension. This dimensional change enables the installation to cross obstacles on the ground without contact while maintaining operational stability through the elevated support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables adaptable, efficient, and homogeneous distribution of bedding materials across diverse livestock areas with reduced manual effort, facilitating easy navigation and optimal material usage.

Implementation Method 1

receive the bedding material falling by gravity from the associated discharge port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3289860B1Method and facility for spreading litter materials over a farming area
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 SARL FIRSTPELLETS
  • EP3289860B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3289860B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3289860B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A bedding material spreading installation comprising: - a bedding material receiving hopper (2) including a bottom (3) equipped with two closable discharge ports (5), - a distribution device (7) including two spreading discs (8) mounted on a support frame (9) and means (10) for rotating the spreading discs (8), each spreading disc (8) extending, in the configuration of use of the installation, below one of the discharge ports of the hopper (2), the support frame (9) for the spreading discs (8) being coupled to the hopper (2) to form a fixed assembly (11) in motion, and, - means for moving the assembly (11).Said drive means are drive means for moving said assembly (11) along a predetermined guidance path and the spreading discs (8) are mounted on the support frame (9) adjustable in position at least in the direction of a variation of the distance between the centers of discs (8).