Autonomous Litter Spreading Installation Pneumatic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current equipment for litter formation in livestock premises is not suitable for full automation, lacks precision, efficiency, and safety, particularly in the presence of animals, leading to inadequate litter renewal, health risks, and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous litter spreading installation with a pneumatic handling system and central control unit that allows for precise, efficient, and safe distribution of litter products without human presence, using a flexible pipe for reduced dust emission and energy expenditure, and equipped with sensors for monitoring environmental and animal health parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If thermal motors are used to propel spreading equipment, then propulsion is achieved, but harmful gases are generated and must be evacuated quickly to avoid asphyxiation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal motors with electric motors to propel the spreading equipment. This substitution eliminates the generation of harmful exhaust gases while maintaining the necessary propulsion power for moving equipment within the breeding room.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pneumatic distribution system to deliver litter products throughout the breeding room. Compressed air transports the litter through a network of pipes and outlets, providing efficient distribution without mechanical moving parts that would generate emissions.
2Ease of operation
If automobile-type spreading equipment with cockpit is used, then litter distribution capability is achieved, but human presence is required which increases labor costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate autonomously without human presence in the breeding room. The centralized control unit automatically manages litter distribution based on sensor data and pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for operators to physically enter the breeding area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized control unit as an intermediary between the operator and the spreading equipment. This control unit receives input from sensors and automatically adjusts distribution parameters, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct human intervention while maintaining precise control over the litter distribution process.
3Power
If thermal motors with high temperature engine blocks are used, then propulsion is achieved, but fire risk increases due to incandescent particles in exhaust gases contacting ligneous litter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal motors with electric motors, eliminating the high-temperature engine blocks and incandescent exhaust particles that create fire risks. Electric motors operate at much lower temperatures and do not produce combustion byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic distribution system uses controlled compressed air flow to transport and distribute litter products. This creates a controlled environment that prevents uncontrolled combustion and fire hazards associated with thermal motor exhaust.
4Productivity
If high spreading rates are used, then litter distribution speed is improved, but large dust clouds are generated which pollute the atmosphere and disturb animal respiratory functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic distribution system where compressed air transports litter products through pipes to various outlets in the breeding room. This controlled pneumatic delivery prevents the formation of large dust clouds by delivering litter directly to target locations rather than broadcasting it through high-speed mechanical spreading.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic pipe network acts as an intermediary medium that transports litter products from the central storage to distribution points. This intermediate transport system controls the delivery of litter material, preventing uncontrolled dust generation while maintaining efficient distribution across the breeding room.
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 frequent and precise litter renewal, reduces health risks, minimizes labor and operational costs, ensures uniform distribution, and maintains optimal sanitary conditions in livestock areas, while reducing the risk of pathogenic agent introduction and fire hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic handling means connected on the one hand to the reserve of litter products and on the other hand to the spreading head to transport the products contained in the reserve to the head of spreading, this means comprising a pipe for supplying the spreading head with litter product
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an autonomous installation for spreading bedding products over a rearing area. Said installation is characterised especially in that it comprises: a head for spreading (2) bedding products, said head being installed in the animal housing; means for displacing the spreading head (2) in the animal housing, according to a pre-established course; a store (3) for bedding products, installed at a fixed point at a distance from the spreading head (2); a pneumatic handling means (4) connected to both the bedding product store (3) and to the spreading head (2), for transporting the products contained in the store (3) towards the spreading head, said means comprising a flexible line (5) for supplying the spreading head (2) with a bedding product, and a pressurising airlock. The pneumatic handling means are installed at a fixed point at a distance from the spreading head.