Automated Disassembly and Parallel Washing of Animal Containment Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing apparatuses for animal containment devices are complex, costly, and inefficient, leading to high waste of washing liquids and prolonged processing times due to manual operations and unnecessary washing of all components together.
Innovation Solution
A streamlined apparatus with separate washer machines for the tray/trough and lid, and robotized manipulators for efficient disassembly, washing, and reassembly, optimizing the processing cycle and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If all components (tray, trough, lid) are washed together in a single washer machine, then the washing process is simplified, but washing liquids and solutions are wasted because the lid requires less washing than the tray and trough
Solution Approach 1:
The washing process is segmented into two separate washing stations: a first washing station for the tray and trough, and a second washing station for the lid. This allows each component to be washed according to its specific soiling level, reducing waste of washing liquids and solutions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
2Productivity
If manual operations are used for disassembly and reassembly, then the processing apparatus is simpler, but the processing speed is reduced and operators are exposed to dusty and contaminated environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses robotized manipulators that automatically perform disassembly and reassembly operations, allowing the processing apparatus to serve itself without manual intervention. This eliminates operator exposure to contaminated environments and increases processing speed while the automated nature of the manipulators keeps the control system manageable
3Productivity
If manual disassembly and reassembly operations are performed before and after washing, then the apparatus is simpler, but these operations become a bottleneck that slows down the overall treatment of containing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The robotized manipulators enable continuous operation by seamlessly coordinating disassembly before washing and reassembly after washing without interruption. The automated system eliminates the downtime and bottlenecks associated with manual operations, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the processing cycle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
Apparatus for processing containing devices (11) for animals, each of which comprises a plurality of reciprocally connected components (12, 13, 14). The apparatus comprises at least a reception station (44) for the containing devices (11) to be processed and a washing station (18) able to receive the containing devices (11) from the reception station (44) and configured to wash the components (12, 13, 14). The washing station (18) comprises a first washer machine (19) configured to wash at least one of the components (12, 13) and a second washer machine (24) configured to wash in parallel at least one other of the components (14). The apparatus comprises a first robotized manipulator at entry (38) configured to pick up and separate from each other the components (12, 13, 14) of each containing device (11) from the reception station (44) and to feed at least one of the components (12, 13) toward the first washer machine (19) and at least one other of the components (14) toward the second washer machine (24). The apparatus comprises a second robotized manipulator at exit (39) configured to pick up the components (12, 13, 14) exiting from the first washer machine (19) and from the second washer machine (24) after they have been processed and to assemble them with respect to each other.