Amphibious Manure Pumping Vehicle for Large Lagoon Recirculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps are limited in their ability to recirculate manure from the middle of large lagoons, which are becoming increasingly common as animal husbandry operations expand, due to their reliance on edge access and tractor connection.
Innovation Solution
An amphibious pumping vehicle equipped with a floatable body, ground engaging propulsion structure, fluid pump, and power source, allowing independent wheel control, fluid nozzle direction, and remote operation for efficient recirculation of manure across large lagoons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pumps are connected to tractors or land vehicles for operational power, then the pumps can be easily deployed from the edge of pits or lagoons, but they are limited in their ability to recirculate manure to the middle of large lagoons
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping system is integrated directly onto the amphibious vehicle, enabling it to perform both transportation and pumping functions. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to reach the middle of large lagoons and recirculate manure from locations that were previously inaccessible to edge-based pump systems
Solution Approach 2:
The amphibious vehicle serves as an intermediary platform that bridges the gap between land-based deployment ease and water-based access capability. By integrating the pump system onto this intermediate platform, the system gains both the deployability of land-based systems and the access capability of water-based systems
2Device complexity
If pumps are designed for edge access only, then the system structure can be simplified and easier to maintain, but the system cannot effectively handle large lagoon sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static edge-based pump configuration to a dynamic amphibious vehicle-mounted pump system. This dynamic configuration allows the pumping operation to move throughout the lagoon, increasing the covered area and productivity while maintaining relatively simple system structures through modular design
3Device complexity
If conventional steering is used in wet or muddy conditions, then the steering mechanism can be simple, but the wheels are likely to slide and directional control becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical steering systems with independently controlled wheel motors that enable electronic or hydraulic steering control. This substitution maintains relatively simple mechanical structures while dramatically improving directional control effectiveness in wet and muddy conditions through precise individual wheel control
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 effective disruption of crusts and recirculation of manure in large lagoons, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs, with enhanced handling and directional control on both land and water.
Implementation Method 1
a floatable vehicle body; Floatation of the vehicle body may be provided by a displacement hull, pontoon elements, or buoyant elements
Implementation Method 2
a fluid pump; a first fluid nozzle configured to direct fluid through the air, the fluid nozzle connected by a fluid conduit to the fluid pump
Implementation Method 3
Pumps are employed for this purpose with jets that return a percentage of the manure back to the pit or lagoon in the form of a high volume spray to disrupt the crust
Data Source
AI summary
An amphibious vehicle for operation in a liquid manure lagoon, the vehicle comprising: a floatable vehicle body; a ground engaging propulsion structure; a liquid manure pump for pumping liquid manure from the liquid manure lagoon; a power source for powering both the ground engaging propulsion structure and the liquid manure pump; and, a remote control structure for controlling the ground engaging propulsion structure, the liquid manure pump and the power source.