Portable Livestock Sun Shade with Segmented Canopy and Ballast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing livestock sun shade systems are inadequate in minimizing stress caused by direct sunlight, high humidity, and high temperatures, which can lead to health issues and death in agricultural animals.
Innovation Solution
A portable livestock sun shade system comprising a base, support structure, ballast container, and canopy, designed for easy movement and deployment, with a canopy area greater than the base, capable of blocking solar rays and adaptable for various locations, including agricultural facilities and pastures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a livestock sun shade system is designed to provide adequate shade coverage for animals, then the canopy area must be large, but this increases the weight and difficulty of portability
Solution Approach 1:
The sun shade system is divided into multiple modular panels that can be connected together. Each panel is a separate unit with its own frame and canopy section, allowing the overall structure to be segmented for easier transport and assembly while providing large total coverage area when multiple panels are connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy panels and support structures are designed to nest within each other when collapsed or disassembled. The frames can be folded or telescoped, and the canopy material can be rolled or folded into compact configurations that fit within the base or storage containers, enabling portable transport of large-area shade structures.
2Reliability
If the sun shade system uses heavy materials to withstand high wind conditions, then the reliability improves, but the portability and ease of movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates movable and adjustable components rather than fixed rigid elements. The frame can be assembled and disassembled, and the canopy tensioning system allows dynamic adjustment to accommodate different wind conditions. This enables the structure to adapt to environmental forces without requiring excessively heavy materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of structural parameters such as canopy tension, support leg positioning, and panel configuration to optimize performance for different wind conditions. By changing these parameters rather than relying solely on heavy materials, the system achieves reliable wind resistance while maintaining portability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the canopy area is made larger to shade more animals, then the effectiveness of stress reduction improves, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large canopy is segmented into multiple smaller panels that can be independently assembled and connected. Each panel has standardized connection points and mechanisms, allowing them to be quickly joined together to form a large continuous shade structure. This segmentation reduces the complexity of handling any single component while achieving large total coverage area.
4Ease of operation
If the sun shade system is designed for easy portability with lightweight materials, then the ease of operation improves, but the durability and ability to withstand environmental conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses composite construction combining lightweight aluminum or alloy frames with high-strength, weather-resistant canopy fabrics. The frame materials provide strength-to-weight ratio optimization, while the canopy material incorporates UV-resistant and tear-resistant properties. This composite approach achieves both portability and durability simultaneously.
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 portable sun shade effectively reduces animal stress by providing shade for a large number of animals, facilitating easy movement and storage, and is durable enough to withstand environmental conditions, enhancing animal health and operational efficiency in agricultural settings.
Implementation Method 1
The canopy is capable of blocking at least a portion of solar rays
Data Source
AI summary
A portable livestock sun shade that includes a base, a support material, a ballast container and a canopy. The support structure is mounted with respect to the base. The ballast container is mounted with respect to the base. The ballast container is adapted to receive a ballast material. The canopy is attached to the support structure. The canopy is capable of blocking at least a portion of solar rays. The canopy has an area that is greater than an area of the base.