Deployable Corral System for Livestock Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of setting up and tearing down portable corral fencing for livestock is laborious and time-consuming, particularly for individuals with physical limitations, as it requires manual loading, unloading, and reassembly at multiple locations during transportation and events.

Innovation Solution

A transport trailer with an integrated and deployable corral system that can be manually or automatically extended and retracted using a powered drive system, featuring extendable corral rails and cross-rails, a deployment assist mechanism, and adjustable support legs, allowing for easy setup and takedown with minimal physical effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual portable fencing is used, then the corral can be set up at temporary sites, but the process is laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of corral setupVSAvoidtime for setup and teardown

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the corral fencing system with the livestock trailer by integrating storage compartments for fence panels and posts directly into the trailer structure, and by incorporating a launch mechanism that deploys the fencing from the trailer itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate carrying and assembly operations, allowing the corral to be deployed as an integrated system from the trailer in a single operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fence panels and posts are pre-stored in organized compartments within the trailer before travel. The launch mechanism is pre-positioned and ready to deploy the fencing components. This preliminary preparation of components and deployment mechanism eliminates on-site assembly time, as everything is ready for immediate launch when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 3:

The patent introduces a launch mechanism as an intermediary device between the stored fencing components and the deployed corral structure. This mechanism automates the deployment process by propelling the fencing panels and posts from the trailer to their erected positions, mediating the transition from compact storage to full corral configuration without manual assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If heavy fencing materials are carried, then the corral structure is sturdy, but lifting and handling becomes difficult for individuals with physical limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorral structure strengthVSAvoidease of handling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The launch mechanism performs the heavy lifting and handling work automatically, with the system deploying its own components without human physical effort. The fencing panels and posts are launched and positioned by the mechanism's propulsive force, eliminating the need for individuals to manually lift and assemble heavy materials while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly with an automated launch mechanism that uses stored energy (such as springs or pneumatic systems) to propel the fencing components into position. This substitution of manual labor with an energy-based deployment system maintains the strength of the corral structure while eliminating the physical strain of handling heavy materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the corral is integrated into the trailer, then deployment is simplified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deploymentVSAvoidtrailer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The launch mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores the fencing components during travel, provides the propulsive force for deployment, and positions the panels and posts in their final configuration. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into a single integrated mechanism, simplifying operation while managing complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11638411B2Transport trailer with deployable corral

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 NB4 BRAND L L C D B A THE KINGSTAR CO

AI summary

A deployable corral system for any upright wall, including a wall of a transport trailer, provides a readily deployable corral along the trailer, and is readily stowable along the trailer in a retracted configuration for travel. The corral includes a pair of spaced-apart and extendable corral rails with a pivoting cross-rail extending from the distal end of each extendable corral rail. When the extendable corral rails are extended the cross-rails are spaced from an exterior side of the livestock trailer, and when the extendable corral rails are retracted the cross-rail is positioned near an upright wall of the trailer. The deployable corral system optionally includes a manual deployment assist system to assist a user during deployment and stowage of the corral. Additional features may include a deployable shade awning, a deployable trough, and extendable vertical support stands.