Auger Bedding Removal Apparatus for Stall Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing and replacing bedding in animal stalls are labor-intensive and can cause damage to railings and curbs, requiring inefficient manual labor or machinery that needs to be inserted into each stall individually.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted apparatus with an auger and scraper system that rotates to collect bedding from the stalls, angles to minimize damage, and deposits the bedding into an alley for easy removal, allowing for efficient and damage-reduced bedding replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to remove bedding from stalls, then bedding can be removed for replacement, but a large amount of physical labor is required and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical labor with an automated auger-based mechanical system. The auger mechanism automatically conveys bedding material from the stall through the curb to the collection area, eliminating the need for manual shoveling and handling, thereby significantly improving productivity and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be self-operating once positioned. The auger system automatically draws bedding through the curb opening without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself during the bedding removal process and reducing labor requirements.
2Extent of automation
If machinery is inserted within each stall individually to remove bedding, then bedding removal can be automated, but the railings between stalls may be subjected to inadvertent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the auger mechanism from the stall interior and positions it entirely within the alley area. The auger draws bedding through the curb opening without penetrating into the stall space, thereby avoiding contact with and potential damage to the stall railings while maintaining automated bedding removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curb opening serves as an intermediary pathway that allows the auger to access bedding material without requiring physical insertion into the stall. This intermediary approach enables automated removal while protecting the railings from direct contact with the machinery.
3Productivity
If conventional approaches are used to lift bedding material over the curb, then bedding can be removed from the stall, but damage may occur to the curb or the bedding removal equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The auger is positioned and angled to draw bedding material along a relatively level path through the curb opening rather than requiring lifting against gravity. This equipotential approach minimizes mechanical stress on both the curb structure and the auger equipment, preventing damage while maintaining efficient bedding removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the auger to be dynamically positioned at optimal angles and locations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different curb configurations and bedding conditions, reducing stress concentrations that could lead to damage of the curb or equipment.
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 apparatus enables efficient removal of bedding with reduced manual labor and minimizes damage to railings and curbs, facilitating quicker and safer maintenance of animal stalls.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the shaft and auger draw bedding from the free stall toward a curb of the free stall
Implementation Method 2
A scraper mounted to the apparatus engaged flighting of the auger, removes the bedding from the auger and deposits the removed bedding into an alley outside the curb
Data Source
AI summary
A bedding removal apparatus for removing bedding material in livestock free stalls is attached to a vehicle such as a skid steer. The bedding removal apparatus includes an auger configured to extend into the bedding of the free stall and draw the bedding toward a curb. The bedding removal apparatus includes a scraper engaging an inner end of the auger to remove bedding from the auger and deposit the bedding into the alley. The auger is mounted to a shaft which is positioned at an angle with respect to the curb and a movable frame to which the shaft is attached. The shaft may be angled down and forward with respect to the movable frame. A fixed frame is mounted to the vehicle and the movable frame is pivotably attached to the fixed frame. An actuator is configured to raise the movable arm from a position with the auger engaging the bedding to a raised position for movement or maneuvering of the vehicle.