Automatic Barn Cleaning Control from Animal Presence Over Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic barn cleaning systems operate on fixed schedules, which may not align with the actual need for cleaning based on animal presence, leading to inefficient use of resources and potential accumulation of manure.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit that utilize detection arrangements to measure animal presence over time, triggering cleaning operations only when necessary and adjusting scheduled sessions based on derived measures, using cameras or animal positioning systems for precise monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed schedule cleaning is used, then cleaning operations are performed regularly, but cleaning resources are wasted when not needed and manure may accumulate when cleaning is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses detection arrangements (cameras, positioning systems) to continuously monitor animal presence and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the cleaning operation to be triggered only when animals are present, eliminating unnecessary cleaning operations while ensuring cleaning occurs when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning reliability and energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning schedule transitions from a static fixed timetable to a dynamic schedule that adapts based on real-time animal presence data. The control unit adjusts cleaning timing and frequency dynamically, performing cleaning only during periods when animals are present, thereby optimizing resource usage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If fixed schedule cleaning is used, then cleaning operations are simplified to run on timetable, but cleaning efficiency decreases due to unnecessary operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains operational simplicity through automatic control based on feedback from detection arrangements. The control unit autonomously decides when cleaning is needed based on animal presence data, eliminating the need for manual scheduling while significantly improving cleaning efficiency by avoiding unnecessary operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system serves itself by automatically adjusting its operation based on detected animal presence. The detection arrangements and control unit work together to self-regulate cleaning frequency and timing, improving efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention
3Productivity
If detection arrangements are added to monitor animal presence, then cleaning can be optimized to occur only when needed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection arrangements serve multiple functions: monitoring animal presence, determining cleaning timing, and providing data for schedule optimization. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive benefits across multiple operational dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual cleaning scheduling and monitoring with automated detection arrangements and control units. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated systems increases productivity while the complexity is managed through electronic automation rather than mechanical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a controller, a computer program and an arrangement for barn cleaning obtain, from a detection arrangement, information related to animal presence in an area in a barn and derive a measure of animal presence over time in the area in the barn based on the information. The method further includes controlling the operation of an automatic barn cleaning device based on the derived measure.