Backrubber Trough Attachment for Spill-Free In-Place Re-Soaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying backrubber solution to livestock are inefficient, often causing spillage and wastage, and require cumbersome re-soaking processes that disrupt the placement of the backrubber device.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped trough device with end caps is used to removably attach to the backrubber and strips, allowing soaking or re-soaking of the solution without moving the device, preventing spillage and wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the backrubber is placed in a tub or drum on the ground for soaking, then the backrubber can be saturated with solution, but this causes dripping and spillage and is difficult for the user to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level soaking (horizontal dimension) to overhead suspension soaking (vertical dimension). The backrubber is hung from a structure above the tub, allowing solution to be poured upward through the absorbent material. This dimensional change eliminates dripping and spillage while making the soaking operation easier to perform.
2Productivity
If the user takes the backrubber down to re-soak it, then the backrubber can be re-saturated with solution, but this disrupts the device placement and is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary positioning of the backrubber in its operational hanging location before soaking occurs. The suspension mechanism allows the backrubber to be soaked in place without removal, so the soaking action is prepared and executed at the final destination, eliminating time loss from moving the device back and forth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a suspension mechanism as an intermediary between the soaking container and the backrubber. This mediator allows the backrubber to be held in a fixed overhead position while receiving solution, enabling re-soaking without disrupting the device's placement or requiring user intervention to move it.
3Productivity
If a bottle is used to pour the backrubber solution on the backrubber, then the solution can be applied, but this is time consuming, wastes solution and may not effectively soak the backrubber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service through capillary action and gravity-driven flow. The backrubber's absorbent material automatically draws solution upward from the tub through capillary forces, and excess solution flows down through the material by gravity. This eliminates the need for manual pouring with a bottle, significantly increasing soaking speed and preventing solution wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles of capillary action and gravity flow to move the backrubber solution through the absorbent material. The solution is drawn up through the suspended backrubber without mechanical intervention, ensuring complete saturation while eliminating the time consumption and wastage associated with bottle pouring.
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 quick and convenient soaking or re-soaking of backrubber solution without spillage, saving resources and maintaining the device's placement, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The backrubber device often includes an absorbent rubbing surface, which is coated with a backrubber solution
Implementation Method 2
cloth strips or another flexible and absorbent material to apply the solution
Data Source
AI summary
A device to apply backrubber solution on a livestock backrubber or strips is disclosed. The device may include a U-shaped elongated tube having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end. The device may further include a first end cap located at the tube proximal end and a second end cap located at the tube distal end. Each of the first end cap and the second end cap comprises a cut-out configured to removably attach the device to the livestock backrubber.