Elastic Layer Fixing Strip for Livestock Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing comfort structures for animals in breeding enclosures, which include elastic layers, often cause injuries due to protruding metal fixing parts that are used to secure the layers to the ground.
Innovation Solution
An elastic layer with a single-piece fixing strip that is devoid of protruding members, allowing securing means to be installed at the edge of the strip, which can then be covered to prevent animal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal parts (spikes or screws) are used to fix the elastic layer to the ground, then the elastic layer can be securely fixed, but protruding members cause injuries to animals
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful metal fixing parts are extracted from the elastic layer itself and relocated to the fixing strip. The fixing strip is integrated into the elastic layer but extends to the edge, allowing metal securing means to be installed at the edge rather than protruding from the elastic layer surface. This extraction removes the source of animal injury while preserving the fixing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing strip acts as an intermediary element between the elastic layer and the metal securing means. It provides a dedicated location at the edge of the elastic layer for installing securing means, preventing them from protruding into the animal rest area. The fixing strip mediates between the need for secure fixation and the need to protect animals from injury.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the elastic layer is made thick and soft for animal comfort, then comfort is improved, but the fixing reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer is segmented into two functional zones: the main body (远离边缘的区域) which is thick and soft for animal comfort, and the fixing strip (边缘的固定条) which is thinner and stiffer for reliable fixation. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its properties independently without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the elastic layer have different local qualities. The main body has high thickness and softness for comfort, while the fixing strip at the edge has reduced thickness and increased stiffness for fixation reliability. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between comfort and fixing reliability.
3Reliability
If metal securing means are installed on the elastic layer, then fixation is achieved, but the metal parts protrude and cause injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing strip is pre-integrated into the elastic layer during manufacturing, with its location and dimensions predetermined. This preliminary action ensures that when metal securing means are later installed, they will be positioned at the edge of the elastic layer rather than protruding from the main body, preventing animal injury before the injury can occur.
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
The solution effectively secures the elastic layer to the ground without exposing metal parts that could injure animals, while also providing enhanced comfort through the elastic deformation and support surface of the projecting members.
Implementation Method 1
an upper face which is capable of undergoing elastic deformation and which comprises at least one location on which an animal is intended to rest
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an elastic layer for a comfort structure adapted to the comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure, said comfort structure being intended to cover the floor of a reception area. The elastic layer (1) is delimited by edges (12, 13), at least one of which (12, 13) is formed by a one-piece fastening strip (5) intended to receive means for securing it (F) to the floor (L4) of said reception area (L). The underside (16) of the elastic layer (1) has projecting elements (6) intended to form a support surface (6").