Horse Trailer Manger Cover Structure for Feed Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hay bags and mangers in horse trailers often lead to feed wastage, frustration for horses, and increased costs due to the need for frequent replacements, as they are easily moved or spilled, making it difficult to measure feed consumption and maintain hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A removably attachable cover system with a grid-like structure and abrasion-resistant fabric, featuring straps and fasteners that securely attach to the trailer and manger, preventing feed from falling and allowing for easy adjustment to fit different manger sizes, while maintaining feed within the manger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hay bags are used to contain feed, then feed containment is achieved, but the horse becomes frustrated and tries to move the bag, causing feed wastage and increasing replacement costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple panels (front, rear, left, right) that can be independently attached to the manger sides, allowing the horse to access feed from multiple directions while maintaining containment. This segmentation prevents the horse from easily moving the entire feed container as would happen with a single hay bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point suspension system (hay bag hanging from one location) to a multi-dimensional enclosure that surrounds the manger on multiple sides. This dimensional expansion creates a more stable feed containment structure that restricts horse interaction while maintaining accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If mangers are used without covers, then feed accessibility is improved, but feed easily falls out onto the floor, causing wastage and making it difficult to measure consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panels are designed with different properties for different locations: the front and rear panels have openings at horse-head-height to allow feed access, while the lower portions and side panels provide containment. This local differentiation maintains accessibility where needed while preventing spillage where it would occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure proactively prevents feed from falling out by creating barriers before spillage can occur. The panels extend down the sides of the manger and the rear panel prevents feed from being kicked or pushed out the back, addressing potential spillage paths before they happen.
3Reliability
If hay bags are fastened to the manger, then feed containment is improved, but the manger's function as a feed trough is limited and costs increase due to enclosed bag components
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is designed to work with standard mangers without requiring modification to the manger itself. The manger retains its primary function as a feed trough while the removable cover panels provide additional containment. This multi-functionality allows the same manger to serve both as an open trough and a contained feed station.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panels are removably attached rather than permanently fixed, allowing the system to dynamically switch between covered and uncovered states. This dynamic design enables the manger to adapt between different feeding scenarios while maintaining its fundamental trough function.
Data Source
AI summary
A removably attachable cover system includes a cover, first trailer fasteners, and second trailer fasteners. The cover may be removably attachable to an inner wall and manger of the trailer so as to cover feed for a horse. The cover may include a first side member, a second side member, a third side member, and a fourth side member. The cover may also have a first strap, a second strap, a third strap, and a fourth strap. The first strap and second strap may be interposed between the second side member and fourth side member. The third strap and fourth strap may be interposed between the first side member and the third side member. With the first, second, third, and fourth straps attached to the cover, a generally grid-shaped cover may be produced and second apertures may be found therethrough, where the horse may feed.