Animal Respiratory Sensor Package for Continuous Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring animal parameters, such as respiratory rate, in large animal husbandry are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and unsuitable for long-term use, often requiring anesthesia or complex equipment, which disrupts animal behavior and well-being.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor package including a pressure difference sensor and moisture sensor, attachable to an animal's head or neck, allowing for non-invasive, continuous, and individual monitoring of parameters like respiratory rate, breathing behavior, and metabolic gases, with visual feedback indicating animal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual observation method is used to determine respiratory rate, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the method is very time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual observation method with an automated sensor-based system. The sensor package includes pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors that automatically detect and record respiratory parameters, eliminating the need for continuous human observation and significantly improving monitoring efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-monitoring of respiratory rate by the animal itself through the sensor package attached to its body. The system automatically detects respiratory movements and physiological parameters without requiring external human intervention, allowing continuous monitoring while freeing up human resources.
2Device complexity
If visual observation method is used, then no complex equipment is needed, but the method is extremely prone to errors and measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors) into an integrated sensor package. This multi-sensor approach cross-validates measurements and improves accuracy by detecting respiratory parameters through multiple physical principles simultaneously, reducing errors that would occur with single-method detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces subjective visual estimation with objective electronic sensor measurements. The sensors provide precise, quantifiable data on respiratory rate and physiological parameters, eliminating human error and subjectivity inherent in visual observation methods.
3Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to determine respiratory rate, then measurement can be performed externally, but the method is not suitable for continuous use over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor package is attached to the animal's body (such as around the nostrils or on the head/neck region), nesting the monitoring system within the animal's personal space. This allows continuous monitoring without requiring external observation infrastructure, enabling extended-period measurement while maintaining ease of operation through portable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous, uninterrupted monitoring of respiratory parameters through automated sensors that operate continuously once attached. The system maintains constant surveillance of animal health parameters without gaps, unlike periodic visual checks, providing sustained data collection over extended periods.
4Measurement precision
If anesthesia or complex experimental equipment is used, then respiratory rate can be determined accurately, but the animals are disturbed and impaired in their normal behavior and everyday life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a portable, attachable sensor package that can be easily applied and removed without causing harm. The device is designed as a non-invasive external attachment rather than requiring invasive procedures, allowing accurate measurement while minimizing impact on animal behavior and welfare through simple, temporary attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces invasive anesthesia methods with non-invasive sensor-based detection. The sensors measure respiratory parameters externally through physical signals (pressure changes, airflow, temperature) without requiring the animal to be unconscious or restrained, maintaining both accuracy and animal welfare.
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, continuous, and location-independent monitoring of animal health and behavior without disturbing the animals, facilitating early stress detection and improved herd management.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor package comprises at least one differential pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
one humidity sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for recording animal parameters, wherein the device comprises a sensor package with one or more sensors for recording the animal parameters. In further aspects, the invention relates to a system for recording and evaluating animal parameters, as well as a computer program for managing an animal herd.