Corner Feeder Bracket for Removable Stall Container Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional feeder containers in animal stalls are difficult to clean effectively due to accessibility issues and the risk of spreading disease-causing organisms, as they are typically permanently mounted and cleaned in place with methods that are labor-intensive and insufficient for disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system allowing for the removable attachment of feeder containers at the corner of an animal stall, featuring a mount, retainer, and adjustable fasteners, enabling easy removal for cleaning and refilling, and facilitating secure attachment to prevent tampering by animals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is permanently mounted to the structure, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for cleaning and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The bracket includes a mount portion fixed to the structure and a retainer portion that can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the container to be securely mounted during operation and easily removed for cleaning when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the container is cleaned in place with damp cloth, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sanitation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is extracted from its permanent mounting position and removed from the stall environment. This allows the container to be taken to a centralized location for thorough cleaning and disinfection, eliminating the risk of spreading pathogens throughout the facility while maintaining ease of operation through the simple remove-and-clean process.
3Ease of operation
If the bracket allows removable attachment, then the ease of operation for cleaning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into distinct functional portions: a mount portion for attachment to the structure, a retainer portion for engagement with the container, and a hinge connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The retainer portion can pivot between engaged and disengaged positions, providing easy removal without complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is configured to allow removable attachment of a container to a structure. The apparatus includes a mount, a retainer, and a first fastener. The mount includes a first leg including a first plurality of apertures; and a first latch portion. The retainer is pivotally connected to the mount and includes a second latch portion configured for cooperation with the first latch portion. The first fastener is configured to pass through one of the plurality of apertures and a first portion of the container. A method is described for removably attaching a container to a bracket located at a corner of a stall. The method includes aligning a hole of the container with a peg of the mount, passing the peg through the hole, closing the bracket by moving the retainer relative to the mount, and securing the mount and retainer in a closed configuration.