Interconnected Calf Housing Units with Rotatable Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current housing arrangements for calves isolate them from each other, preventing social interaction, while also being cumbersome for farmers to manage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A housing system comprising multiple interconnected housing units with a shared yard, a movable divider fence, and rotatable housing units, allowing calves to interact while enabling easy separation and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If calves are housed in individual isolated units, then each calf has its own shelter and space, but calves cannot socialize or interact with other calves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual housing units into a paired configuration where two housing units share a common yard and are connected through a shared perimeter fence. This merging allows calves in adjacent units to interact socially through the shared space while each calf maintains its own enclosed living space and shelter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable divider fence that can be repositioned between the two housing units. This dynamic element allows the configuration to change from a fully separated state (for isolation when needed) to a connected state (for social interaction), providing flexibility in managing calf interactions based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If housing units are designed for easy transport, then transportation becomes simpler, but the structural integrity and stability during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing system into modular components including individual housing units, perimeter fences, and divider fences that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows the system to be disassembled or reconfigured for transport while maintaining structural integrity during operational use through proper assembly and connection of the modular elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing system for a calf including a housing unit having a first exterior sidewall, a second exterior sidewall, a front exterior wall extending between the first exterior sidewall and the second exterior sidewall, a roof extending between the first exterior sidewall and the second exterior sidewall, an opening at least partially defined by the front exterior wall for ingress and egress of a calf into and out of the housing unit, and an enclosed living space extending between and bounded by the first and second exterior sidewalls and the front exterior wall.