Waterproof Air Cushion System for Stationary Animal Lameness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining lameness in animals require significant space and are not suitable for use in wet environments, making them impractical for farm installations, and their accuracy can be compromised by the need for animals to be in motion or in unnatural positions.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof and environmentally robust air cushion system that allows animals to stand on individual air cushions, which are connected to air and data lines, enabling force measurements while the animal is stationary, and includes sensors to determine lameness and total weight, suitable for installation in milking stalls or other farm settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force plate technology with numerous sensors is used to detect ground reaction forces, then measurement precision for lameness detection is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex solid force plate structures with pneumatic air cushions that contain flexible diaphragms. The air cushions transmit force measurements through pneumatic pressure changes detected by sensors, eliminating the need for rigid sensor arrays while maintaining measurement capability. This resolves the contradiction by simplifying the device structure while preserving lameness detection accuracy through fluid-based force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible diaphragms made of thin film materials (such as rubber or plastic) that can deform under animal weight and transmit these deformations to the air cushion system. These flexible films replace complex sensor arrays by providing a simple, compliant interface that accurately captures force distribution across the foot, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional force plate systems are installed in farm environments, then lameness monitoring capability is improved, but adaptability to wet and dirty conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air cushion system uses sealed pneumatic chambers that are inherently resistant to water and dirt contamination. The pneumatic seals and diaphragms create enclosed systems that prevent moisture ingress to sensitive components, allowing the device to operate reliably in wet farm environments like milking stalls without compromising system performance or requiring complex protective housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible diaphragm material is selected to be waterproof and resistant to degradation from moisture and cleaning agents. This flexible shell acts as both the sensing element and the protective barrier, eliminating the need for separate waterproof housings and enabling direct installation in wet environments while maintaining system reliability.
3Measurement precision
If animals are required to be in motion on the device to determine lameness, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation and animal comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the standing surface into multiple segmented air cushions, each corresponding to a specific foot placement zone. This segmentation allows the system to capture force distribution data from stationary foot positions without requiring animals to walk or move through the apparatus, simplifying operation while maintaining the ability to analyze gait patterns and detect lameness through comparative force measurements across different cushions.
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 accurate and frequent monitoring of lameness and weight management in animals without the need for transporting them, maintaining accuracy even in wet conditions, allowing for early detection and minimization of performance impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The air cushion device includes a plurality of air cushions. Each air cushion is connected to an incoming air line and a data air line. The incoming air lines supply the air cushions with air and the data air lines supply the force being exerted on the air cushions once inflated.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a farming/veterinary device, system, and method for sensing force to analyze the stance of an animal or human to determine lameness and total weight monitoring. The invention is directed to an air cushion device for determining lameness and total weight management for animals with an air cushion for each animal leg which will enable the system to determine the force exerted on each air cushion. Optimally, the air cushion device is waterproof. The system is directed to incorporating the air cushion device with an air supply system and sensor system to automatically determine lameness and total weight in animals. The method is directed to a procedure for using the air cushion system to determine lameness and total weight in animals. Because implementations of the device are waterproof, it is suitable for use in any type of wet or dirty environment. Further, due to making the determinations while the animal is standing still, the device is capable of on-site installation in areas of the farm such as milking stalls, cattle chutes, and other small areas in which the animal is used to being.