Hydrotherapy Door and Conveyor Layout for Animal Access and Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrotherapy apparatuses face challenges in allowing easy animal access and exit, maintaining cleanliness, and operator convenience due to heavy conveyors and the need for a non-slip ramp that obstructs transparency and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
The hydrotherapy apparatus features floats that prevent animals from avoiding the conveyor, a door mechanism for a watertight seal, and a remote control for conveyor operation, along with a conveyor support system for easier maintenance and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ramp is provided for animal entry and exit, then ease of operation is improved, but the door cannot be transparent since a non-slip surface is required
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is segmented into multiple parts: a transparent main door for visibility and a separate non-slip ramp surface for safe entry/exit. The ramp is positioned at an angle to the door plane, allowing the door to remain transparent while providing a non-slip surface where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the door assembly have different surface properties: the main door area is transparent for visibility, while the ramp portion has a non-slip texture for safety. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between transparency and non-slip requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a ramp is provided for animal entry and exit, then ease of operation is improved, but the ramp becomes heavy and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic or pneumatic actuator system is integrated to counterbalance the weight of the ramp, making it easy to lift and position despite its heavy construction. The actuator provides mechanical assistance to offset the gravitational force on the ramp.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical ramp operation is replaced with an automated actuator system that uses hydraulic or pneumatic principles to move the ramp, eliminating the need for operators to manually lift heavy weights.
3Ease of operation
If a gap is provided between conveyor and side wall for operator convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but the animal can avoid contact with the conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
A guide rail or barrier system acts as an intermediary element between the conveyor and the gap, directing the animal toward the conveyor belt while still allowing operator access through the gap. The guide structure ensures the animal cannot bypass the conveyor.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap is positioned in a location that does not compromise animal-conveyor interaction, such as at the end of the tank away from the conveyor path, or the gap is designed with vertical barriers that prevent lateral escape while maintaining horizontal access for operators.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a conveyor is provided in the bottom region, then animal exercise capability is improved, but cleaning of the bottom surface becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with movable or removable components that can be easily detached or repositioned to allow access to the bottom surface for cleaning. The conveyor belt or platform can be raised, lowered, or removed entirely when cleaning is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is segmented into modular sections that can be independently removed or reconfigured, allowing cleaning personnel to access the bottom surface without dismantling the entire apparatus.
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
Enhances animal engagement with the conveyor, ensures cleanliness and operator safety, and facilitates easier operation and maintenance of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the floats being arranged, such that when the tank is filled with a liquid, the floats float at a surface region of the liquid adjacent side walls of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrotherapy apparatus 2 comprising at least one door 12, affixed thereto, operable between an open condition in which access is provided to an interior of the apparatus 2 and a closed condition in which access is prevented to an interior of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus 2 is provided with a door closing mechanism having a first engagement condition and a second engagement condition wherein movement of the mechanism from the first engagement condition to the second is arranged to draw the door 12 against a frame 352 to which it abuts.