Integrated Animal Ear Tag and Tissue Sampling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking and sampling devices for animals, particularly cattle, lack an efficient mechanism for attaching ear tags and simultaneously obtaining and storing tissue samples, with existing solutions often requiring separate processes and tools.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a mandrel with a spike part and a hole part for attaching ear tags, combined with a sample container that can be supported by forceps, allowing for simultaneous marking and sampling, where the sample container has a receiving space and a stamped part for collecting tissue samples, which can be separated and closed for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate tools and processes are used for attaching ear tags and collecting tissue samples, then each function can be performed independently, but the overall process time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ear tag attachment function and tissue sample collection function into a single integrated device. The forceps hold both the ear tag components (mandrel and hole part) and the sample container with punching device, allowing simultaneous performance of both functions during one operational sequence, thereby eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing overall process time
2Productivity
If an integrated device is used for both ear tag attachment and sample collection, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps are designed as a multi-functional tool that can hold and manipulate both ear tag components and sample containers. The device incorporates multiple receptacles and positioning features to accommodate different components (mandrel, hole part, sample container) while maintaining a unified structure that performs multiple functions through a single operational mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is divided into distinct functional modules: the forceps gripping mechanism, the ear tag components (mandrel and hole part), and the sample container with punching device. Each module can be independently positioned and manipulated within the forceps, allowing for organized complexity where each segment performs its specific function while contributing to the overall integrated operation
3Productivity
If the sample container is integrated with the ear tag application tool, then simultaneous marking and sampling is enabled, but the ease of operation decreases due to coordinating multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-positioning and self-aligning features where the sample container and ear tag components automatically orient themselves within the forceps during the operation. The punching device and ear tag components are designed to work together through the same closing motion of the forceps, eliminating the need for separate coordination steps and reducing operational complexity despite the multi-functional capability
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has an ear tag with a bolt part (14) having a shaft and a pin (17), and a hole part (12) locked with the bolt part. A sample container (10) has a stamping part (23) and a retaining chamber (22) for a tissue sample of an animal, and a support part (25) is separated from the sample container. A closing flap is provided at the support part for the sample container, and the bolt part, the sample container and the hole part are inserted into a gripper, where the hole part is attached to the gripper.