Animal Tag Applicator Spring-Loaded Linkage Jaw Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal tag applicators often cause ear damage due to movement during tagging and suffer from mechanical wear in the triggering mechanism, leading to potential malfunction over numerous operations.
Innovation Solution
An animal tag applicator featuring a linkage mechanism with pivoted linkage members and a control means, including a transverse pin and cam, that automatically opens the jaws after tagging, reducing wear and facilitating easy ear release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a basic pliers-like applicator is used, then the structure is simple, but ear damage occurs when the animal moves during tagging
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates an automatic jaw opening mechanism that dynamically changes the state of the jaws from closed (during tagging) to open (after tagging). This is achieved through a spring-loaded linkage system with over-centre positioning that automatically triggers jaw opening upon completion of the tagging action, eliminating the need for manual operation and preventing ear damage from prolonged jaw closure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a triggering mechanism is added for automatic jaw opening, then ear damage is reduced, but mechanical wear increases leading to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is pre-set in an over-centre position during the tagging operation. When the tagging action is completed, the linkage naturally transitions from this unstable over-centre position to a stable position, automatically triggering the jaw opening. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex triggering mechanisms that are subject to wear, as the system uses its own mechanical configuration to initiate the release.
3Device complexity
If the applicator jaws remain closed after tagging, then the structure is simple, but the animal cannot release its ear without tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to automatically perform the jaw opening function without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The spring-loaded linkage mechanism with over-centre positioning self-triggers upon completion of tagging, causing the jaws to open automatically. This allows the animal to safely release its ear without the applicator maintaining closed pressure, preventing ear tearing while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.
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
The solution effectively minimizes ear damage and prolongs the applicator's operational life by reducing mechanical wear through the use of a spring-loaded linkage mechanism that automatically opens the jaws after tagging, ensuring smooth and efficient tagging operations.
Implementation Method 1
The linkage means is in a first position with the spring means loaded, and in a second position with the spring means unloaded
Data Source
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AI summary
An applicator (1) has handles (2, 4) which on closing together will engage an animal tag with the animal's ear but at which time a control member (28) will engage with a linkage (6) to trip the linkage (6) into a jaw-open position. Once the handles (2, 4) have been released the linkage (6) will again be returned to its normal position primarily under the bias of a spring (25).