Automatic Tensioning for Manure Scraper Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manure removing apparatuses with traction cables operated by friction wheels face issues with cable slacking, requiring frequent manual tensioning to prevent slipping, which can lead to arduous cleaning operations if not timely addressed.
Innovation Solution
An automatic traction cable tensioning system using a load sensor to measure pulling force and activate an automatic tensioning unit when the force falls below a predetermined threshold, ensuring consistent tensioning without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tensioning is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the operational reliability deteriorates due to frequent cable slacking and slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning system automatically monitors cable tension through sensors and applies tensioning force through actuators without manual intervention. The control unit continuously adjusts tension based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to self-regulate cable tension and prevent slipping automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously measure cable tension and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit compares measured tension against predetermined thresholds and activates actuators to adjust tension when necessary, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal cable tension.
2Reliability
If automatic tensioning is implemented, then the operational reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning system automatically monitors cable tension through sensors and applies tensioning force through actuators without manual intervention. The control unit continuously adjusts tension based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to self-regulate cable tension and prevent slipping automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously measure cable tension and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit compares measured tension against predetermined thresholds and activates actuators to adjust tension when necessary, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal cable tension.
3Reliability
If frequent manual tensioning is performed, then cable slipping is prevented, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning system automatically monitors cable tension through sensors and applies tensioning force through actuators without manual intervention. The control unit continuously adjusts tension based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to self-regulate cable tension and prevent slipping automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic tensioning system operates continuously during manure removal operations, maintaining optimal cable tension without interruption. This eliminates the need to stop for manual tensioning adjustments, ensuring continuous productive operation while preventing cable slipping.
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 automatic tensioning system ensures efficient and consistent manure removal operations by maintaining optimal cable tension, reducing the risk of slipping and enhancing the overall cleaning process in manure alleys.
Implementation Method 1
means for measuring the pulling force of the traction cable
Implementation Method 2
a friction wheel which is driven by the traction mechanism and over which the traction cable extends
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A manure removing apparatus for a freestall cattle barn, comprising a manure alley (1), a scraper (2) to be pulled along the manure alley, which gathers manure in front of itself for conveying the manure into a removing channel (3), a traction cable (4) attached to the scraper, a traction mechanism (5) for pulling the traction cable (4) and the scraper (2), a friction wheel (6) which is driven by the traction mechanism and over which the traction cable extends, a control device (8) for controlling operation of the traction mechanism (5), as well as means (9) for measuring the pulling force of the traction cable (4). The pulling force is adapted to be measured with a weighing sensor (9) which supplies the control device (8) with information about the pulling force. At least one end of the traction cable (4) is attached to the scraper (2) through the intermediary of an automatic traction cable tensioning unit (10). The tensioning unit (10) is adapted to conduct automatically the tensioning of the traction cable (4) once the pulling force measuring result, transmitted by the weighing sensor (9) to the control device, falls short of a predetermined threshold value with the traction mechanism (5) in a rest condition.