Manure Slide Obstacle Detection via Wireless Light Barrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relocation systems for animal stalls, such as clearing and manure removal systems, face challenges with uncertain operation due to varying load and friction conditions, leading to potential collisions with obstacles, especially animals, and require significant technical effort for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A relocation system with a detection unit equipped with sensors and a signal generator that allows for contactless obstacle detection, preventing collisions by generating a control signal to adjust the movement of the displacement slide before direct contact, and includes a drive unit and traction means for safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque sensors and complex control systems are used to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical torque sensors and control systems with a simple optical sensor (light barrier) that detects obstacles through non-contact means. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable obstacle detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light barrier as an intermediary detection mechanism between the displacement slide and potential obstacles. This intermediary allows early obstacle detection without requiring direct contact or complex mechanical sensing, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If direct contact detection is used to stop the displacement slide, then obstacle detection is achieved, but collision prevention is insufficient due to small load variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting obstacles with a light barrier before the displacement slide makes direct contact. This early detection allows the system to stop or reverse the slide before collision occurs, eliminating the insufficiency of post-contact detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based detection with optical sensing, enabling non-contact obstacle identification. This substitution provides more reliable and earlier detection compared to mechanical torque sensors that struggle with small load variations.
3Ease of operation
If spatially separated drive units are used, then ease of operation is improved, but response time to obstacles increases due to signal transmission delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling between the drive unit and displacement slide with a wireless communication system. This substitution eliminates mechanical inertia and connection delays, enabling rapid response time while maintaining the operational simplicity of a spatially separated drive configuration.
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 system enables safe and efficient operation by detecting obstacles early, preventing collisions and injuries, reducing technical effort, and ensuring smooth movement of the displacement slide, even in the presence of animals, by using sensors like radar, ultrasonic, or optical sensors for precise monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the detection means of the detection unit for recognizing an obstacle includes at least one radar sensor
Implementation Method 2
the detection means of the detection unit for recognizing an obstacle includes at least one ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 3
the detection means of the detection unit for recognizing an obstacle includes at least one optical sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a relocation system (1) for a barn for relocating objects temporarily deposited on a floor surface (2), such as animal manure, leftover feed, and bedding material. The relocation system (1) comprises a relocation slide (3), a drive unit (4) with a drive (13) and a drive control (14), and a traction element (5). The relocation slide (3) can be moved back and forth across the floor surface (2) of the barn along a travel path by means of the drive (13) and the traction element (5). Furthermore, a detection unit (15) is provided, which includes a detection means (16, 24) for contactless and/or contact-sensitive detection of an obstacle located in the travel path and a signal transmitter (17, 25). By means of a first radio module (20) of a radio unit (19) the signal generated by the signal transmitter (17, 25) can be transmitted to a second radio module (21) and further to the drive control (14).The drive control (14) is designed to control the drive (13) on the basis of the control signal received from the second radio module (21).