Modular Bale Feeder with Collapsible Frame and Chain Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of baled feed products, such as hay or straw, is challenging for livestock owners with physical limitations, as existing bale feeder trailers are costly, difficult to ship, and present maneuvering difficulties, leading to injuries and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular bale feeder system that can be easily mounted and removed from a motor vehicle, featuring a collapsible frame and a roller chain drive actuated by a motor for controlled dispersion of bales, allowing for efficient and safe feeding of livestock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual handling of bales is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but physical strain and injury risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated motor-driven roller chain system. The motor (124) drives sprockets (125, 138) that move the roller chain (126), which in turn drives the slider assembly (134) to push the bale. This substitution eliminates the need for manual physical effort while controlling costs through the use of standard automotive components.
2Ease of operation
If a trailer-based bale feeder is used, then bale handling is automated, but shipping and maneuvering difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bale feeder into separable components: a collapsible frame (102) with discrete portions that can be detached and shipped on a pallet or in a box, and a motor vehicle mounting system that allows the feeder to be attached to or removed from the vehicle. This segmentation enables automated bale handling while simplifying shipping and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a collapsible frame that can transition between an expanded operational configuration and a collapsed storage configuration. The frame includes movable components that allow it to be compacted for easy shipping and storage, then expanded at the destination for use. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between automation capability and shipping difficulty.
3Ease of operation
If a motor vehicle-mounted bale feeder is used, then maneuverability improves, but assembly and disassembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-designed mounting features on the motor vehicle (such as attachment points, brackets, or integrated mounting structures) that allow the bale feeder to be quickly secured. The collapsible frame includes pre-assembled sections with connection mechanisms that facilitate rapid assembly, reducing the time required to set up the system before use.
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 modular bale feeder system facilitates easier handling and dispersion of bales, reducing the risk of injury and improving efficiency by allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, cost-effective shipping, and precise control over bale distribution, making it suitable for hobby farmers and small herd operators.
Implementation Method 1
a roller chain drive actuated by a motor for controlled dispersion of bales
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a frame configured for placement on a bed of a motor vehicle; a sliding assembly to move a bale of feed product placed within or on the frame; a motor to cause a sprocket to turn; and a chain to attach the sprocket to the sliding assembly, the chain to transfer force supplied by the motor from the sprocket to the sliding assembly to move the bale towards a rear of the frame to dispense a portion of the bale.