Front Scraper Vacuum Tank Layout for Semi-Liquid Manure Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vacuum systems are inadequate for efficiently collecting and removing liquid or semi-liquid animal manure from large animal husbandry facilities, as they often compact the manure before collection, making it difficult to separate and convey, and existing pneumatic collection methods lack effective means to direct materials to the suction inlet, leading to reduced tank capacity and mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile vacuum apparatus with a frame, wheels, a vacuum tank, a scraping collection means under the front, and a blower vac capable of creating a vacuum or expelling materials, featuring multiple vacuum outlets, a secondary trap to prevent debris entry, and a valve system for safe and efficient operation, allowing for efficient collection and discharge of liquid or semi-liquid materials without compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rear-mounted scraper blade is used to collect liquid or semi-liquid manure, then the manure is compacted prior to collection, but this makes it difficult to separate from the barn floor and difficult to convey pneumatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rear-mounted scraper configuration by placing the scraper blade at the front of the vacuum apparatus. This allows the scraper to direct material forward into the suction inlet rather than compacting it at the rear, enabling effective collection of liquid and semi-liquid materials without making them difficult to convey pneumatically
2Productivity
If the collected manure enters the back of the vacuum tank from the top, then the apparatus can collect material, but there is no complete flushing from front to rear during discharge, leading to accumulation of manure in the front of the tank that diminishes tank capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional top-entry discharge configuration by placing the discharge outlet at the front of the tank. This allows material to be discharged from the front while air flows through the tank from rear to front, creating complete flushing action that prevents accumulation in the front of the tank and maintains full collection capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical agitation or manual cleaning mechanisms with a pneumatic flushing system. Air is forced through the tank during discharge to create a flushing action that automatically clears accumulated material, eliminating the need for manual access hatches and reducing operator exposure to hazardous materials
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate blower and vacuum pumps are used, then the apparatus can perform both functions, but this creates mechanical complexity and increases down time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate blower and vacuum pump functions into a single reversible vacuum pump assembly. The pump can operate in vacuum mode during material collection and in blow mode during tank discharge, eliminating the need for separate blowers and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining full functional capability
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 apparatus effectively collects and discharges liquid or semi-liquid materials from large facilities with reduced compaction and mechanical complexity, maintaining tank capacity and improving operator safety through efficient flushing and pneumatic conveying.
Implementation Method 1
a blower vac capable of drawing air from the vacuum tank through the vacuum outlet to thereby create a vacuum in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus comprises a vacuum tank with a front-mounted collection means thereunder The collection means is a V-shaped scraper with a height adjustable suction inlet at the apex thereof. The collection means has a pair of laterally adjustable pivoting wings for varying its width to correspond to that of an alley or gutter. The suction inlet may be equipped with a snorkel to introduce a small quantity of air as an aid in entraining thick-consistency materials. A blower vac is used to both draw air into and blow air through the vacuum tank. A valve means comprising a pair of oppositely oriented check valves is used to alternate flow paths between a lowered rearward exhaust during collection and an elevated intake during tank discharge.