Livestock Waterer Universal Pallet Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic waterers for livestock are not versatile, requiring specific tools and not allowing easy conversion between paddle and tube systems, leading to increased costs and limited adaptability for different animal types.
Innovation Solution
A waterer design with a control rod that can tilt to open a shutter, allowing for the removable fixation of either a pivoting pallet or a tube pallet, enabling the system to be used with different types of pusher systems, and featuring a screw-nut system for easy articulation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific pallet system (pivoting or tube) is integrated into the bowl, then the actuation mechanism works reliably, but the bowl becomes specific and cannot accept other pusher systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control rod is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both pivoting pallets and tube pallets. The rod features a longitudinal slot that receives different types of pallets, and a protruding portion that can be fixed to various pallet types using the same mounting mechanism, enabling one bowl design to work with multiple pusher system types.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is separated into independent modular components: the control rod, the pallet, and the mounting interface. This segmentation allows the pallet to be changed while keeping the control rod and bowl structure the same, enabling versatility without compromising the integrity of the actuation mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools are used for bowls to receive specific pusher systems, then the installation precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal mounting interface is provided on the control rod that works with both pivoting and tube pallets using the same installation procedure. The longitudinal slot and protruding portion design allows standard tools to be used for all pallet types, eliminating the need for specialized installation tools while maintaining precise positioning.
3Device complexity
If a fixed pallet system is used in the bowl, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot be adapted to different animal types
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed pallet configuration to a dynamic, changeable configuration. The control rod's longitudinal slot allows different pallet types to be mounted and removed as needed, enabling the same bowl structure to be adapted to different animal types by simply changing the pallet component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change in the type and configuration of the pallet component while keeping the main bowl structure the same. By changing the pallet parameter (from pivoting to tube type), the system adapts to different animal types without modifying the fundamental bowl structure, maintaining simplicity while gaining versatility.
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 design provides a cost-effective and adaptable solution that allows for easy conversion between paddle and tube systems, reducing spare parts complexity and enabling the system to accommodate various animal types without the need for specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
associated with a return spring
Implementation Method 2
the said control rod comprises a part which projects downwards, out of the said supply body, which projecting part is capable of tilting around an axis located approximately on the said movable shutter to ensure the opening of the latter during a thrust applied to the side of said protruding rod part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The drinker has a bowl (2) provided with a fixing unit (3) on a support i.e. wall, and a water supply unit (4). The water supply unit comprises a body (5) defining an internal supply duct (6) on a level of a back end of a connection device connecting to a water supply pipe and on a level of a front end of an operating device (11). The water supply unit comprises a filtration unit (12) arranged in an upstream of the operating device. The filtration unit is positioned on the internal supply duct of the body.