Livestock Feeder Hopper Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment devices for livestock weaning feeders require two hands to operate and feature hard-to-reach spring clips, making it difficult to adjust the hopper height efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A post with an outer screw thread and a displacement ring with an inner screw thread, protuberances for resistance, and a freely rotating sleeve that can be easily handled and adjusted by screwing or unscrewing, allowing for one-handed operation and secure positioning without involuntary rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring clip is used to secure the sleeve on the tubular body, then the hopper height position can be adjusted and secured, but the device requires two hands to operate and the spring clip is hard to reach
Solution Approach 1:
A C-shaped elastic element acts as an intermediary between the operator and the locking mechanism. This elastic element can be compressed with one hand to release the sleeve, eliminating the need to manually manipulate a hard-to-reach spring clip with two hands. The elastic element serves as a mediator that transforms the complex two-handed operation into a simple one-handed compression action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip is extracted from the difficult-to-reach location and replaced with a C-shaped elastic element that has its actuation point accessible from outside the assembly. This allows the locking and releasing functions to be performed from an accessible position rather than requiring access to the interior where the original spring clip was located.
2Reliability
If the sleeve is fixed to the post with a spring clip, then the hopper height can be adjusted, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped elastic element serves as a fast-acting intermediary that enables rapid engagement and disengagement of the sleeve on the post. By compressing the elastic element, the sleeve can be quickly released and repositioned, significantly reducing the time required for height adjustment compared to manipulating traditional spring clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is pre-positioned in a tensioned state that automatically engages with the sleeve and post structure. This preliminary positioning allows for rapid one-handed operation without requiring the user to search for or manually assemble multiple components during the adjustment process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sleeve is allowed to rotate freely on the post, then the hopper can be positioned at any angle, but the displacement ring may rotate involuntarily affecting the adjusted height
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped elastic element is positioned asymmetrically on the displacement ring, creating a preferred engagement orientation. This asymmetric positioning provides resistance to involuntary rotation while still allowing the hopper to be positioned at various angles, as the elastic element engages with corresponding asymmetric features on the post structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is pre-configured to apply a restraining force that counteracts involuntary rotation of the displacement ring. This preliminary anti-action is built into the tensioned elastic element, which automatically resists rotational movement that would alter the adjusted height, while still permitting the intended angular positioning of the hopper.
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
Enables easy and secure adjustment of the hopper height with one hand, preventing accidental rotation and ensuring stable positioning, even when subjected to animal momentum or external materials.
Implementation Method 1
the post is provided with an outer screw thread on which a displacement ring is coupled by screwing, which ring is provided with a corresponding inner screw thread, and in that the ring is in turn provided with a lower tubular portion
Implementation Method 2
the outer screw thread of the post and the inner screw thread of the ring have a series of protuberances regularly distributed along the thread pitch which offer certain resistance to the involuntary rotation of the ring with respect to the post
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustment device (1) for adjusting the height position of the hopper (2) for a livestock feeder, particularly applicable to a livestock weaning feeder, of the type comprising a post (3) on which a sleeve (4) for supporting the hopper is assembled with longitudinal sliding capacity. Said post comprises an outer screw thread (5) on which a displacement ring (6) is coupled by screwing, provided with a corresponding inner screw thread (7). The ring is in turn provided with a lower tubular portion (8) having an open cross-section, provided with an inner annular groove (9) in which a projecting outer flange (10) of the sleeve for supporting the hopper is inserted, being suspended from the ring, whereby when the ring is displaced downwards or upwards by screwing it on or unscrewing it from the post, it drives the sleeve in its movement.