Grooved Livestock Floor Mat With Suction for Urine Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing livestock enclosure systems fail to optimally separate urine and feces, leading to ammonia production and slippery conditions, requiring significant structural work for installation and lacking efficient liquid removal solutions.
Innovation Solution
A collection system with a deformable floor covering featuring grooves and through-holes connected to suction means that efficiently separates and removes liquids, utilizing materials like elastomeric rubber and reinforcement layers, and suction devices to manage liquid flow and prevent ammonia production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical removal or grating systems are used, then liquid removal capability is improved, but separation of urine and feces is not optimal leading to ammonia production
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering is segmented into support portions and grooves, creating distinct zones for solid and liquid waste. The grooves collect liquids while support portions bear animal weight, achieving automatic separation of urine and feces without complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor covering acts as an intermediary layer between the animal and the collection system. It separates liquids and solids at the source, with liquids channeling through grooves to collection channels, preventing ammonia production by keeping waste streams separate.
2Productivity
If grating systems are installed, then liquid evacuation is improved, but significant structural work is required which is difficult to implement in existing enclosures
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering is made of flexible elastomeric material that can be laid over existing floors without structural modifications. This thin film approach provides liquid evacuation functionality while avoiding the need for heavy grating systems or concrete work in existing enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor covering is designed as a replaceable, cost-effective component that can be installed and removed without permanent structural changes. This allows easy installation in existing enclosures and simplifies maintenance by replacing rather than repairing complex structural systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional floor systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but liquid removal is insufficient leading to slippery conditions and reduced animal comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible floor covering maintains structural stability by conforming to the existing floor while providing superior liquid removal. The elastomeric material offers both stability and improved traction, preventing slippery conditions without compromising the underlying floor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooved design creates hydraulic channels that efficiently move liquids away from animal contact areas. This passive hydraulic system improves traction and comfort by keeping the walking surface dry while maintaining structural integrity of the floor assembly.
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 system provides rapid and efficient liquid removal, maintaining a dry and healthy environment, reducing ammonia production, and minimizing structural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
suction means, advantageously ventilation means, intended to be connected to said through-holes and adapted to generate suction of liquids through said through-holes
Implementation Method 2
a floor covering consisting of a mat, made of at least one material capable of undergoing elastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a collection system (10) for collecting liquids flowing onto the floor (S) of an enclosure for raising animals, for example cattle. This collection system (10) comprises: (i) a floor covering (20) consisting of a mat, having grooves (23) and a bottom wall (24) having through holes (245), and (ii) suction means (30) intended to be connected to said through holes (245) and adapted to generate suction of the liquids through said through holes (245).