Camera-Guided Manure Scraper Control for Alley Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional manure handling equipment faces challenges in efficiently navigating complex alley routes, detecting end positions, managing wire elongation, and optimizing cleaning schedules due to inconsistent manure properties and environmental conditions, leading to inefficient operation and potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a camera-based system that uses image processing and object recognition to create a virtual map of the alley, allowing for self-learning and dynamic control of the scraper's route, speed, and operation, including automatic detection of obstacles and manure consistency, enabling precise positioning, obstacle avoidance, and adaptive cleaning schedules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wire-based positioning systems are used for scrapers, then the scraper can be controlled to move along the alley, but wire elongation causes positioning errors and reduces measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidscraper position detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based positioning system with an optical camera-based system. The camera captures images of the scraper at known positions along the alley, and image processing algorithms determine the scraper's location without relying on physical measurement wires that elongate. This substitution eliminates the fundamental limitation of wire-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces visual markers or features on the alley floor as intermediaries between the camera and the scraper positioning system. These markers provide reference points that the image processing system uses to accurately calculate the scraper's position, enabling precise measurement without direct contact with the scraper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If fixed cleaning schedules are used for scrapers, then operation timing is simple to manage, but inconsistent manure properties and environmental conditions lead to inefficient cleaning operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidresponse to manure conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera system continuously monitors the alley for manure accumulation. The system captures images, processes them to detect manure presence and quantity, and uses this information to dynamically adjust scraper operation timing. When manure exceeds a threshold, the scraper is automatically activated, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the cleaning operation to be self-regulating by automatically detecting when cleaning is needed and activating the scraper without external intervention. The camera-based monitoring system serves itself by identifying its own operational requirements based on real-time visual assessment of manure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If cameras are mounted close to the floor for better scraper route detection, then positioning accuracy improves, but the cameras are exposed to manure and harsh environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescraper position detectionVSAvoidcamera exposure to manure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent mounts cameras on vertical surfaces (walls or ceiling) at elevated positions, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve favorable viewing angles of the alley floor. Through image processing and perspective transformation, the system extracts accurate horizontal position information from these elevated viewpoints, eliminating the need to place cameras close to the floor while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If the scraper runs continuously to ensure thorough cleaning, then cleaning coverage is maximized, but energy consumption increases and collision risk with animals rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidscraper energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces continuous scraper operation with periodic, event-driven activation. The camera system monitors the alley continuously, but the scraper only operates periodically when manure accumulation triggers a cleaning event. This intermittent operation maintains cleaning effectiveness while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous running.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting manure accumulation before it becomes a problem and activating the scraper proactively. This preventive approach ensures thorough cleaning when needed while avoiding unnecessary operation when the alley is already clean, optimizing both cleaning coverage and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4141604B1Method and arrangement for manure handling

Publication Date: 2024.04.03 DELAVAL HLDG AB

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

A method and arrangement is provided for controlling the operation of a manure scraper based on information obtained from one or more cameras mounted such as to capture images of the area of operation of the scraper. The solution enables a more efficient use of a widely spread technology for manure handling.