Modular Animal Safety Barrier Panels with Tool-less Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal containment systems and feed dispensers face challenges in providing safe, efficient, and adaptable solutions for various species and environments, particularly in preventing entrapment and waste management during feeding.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular safety barrier panels with tool-less assembly and release mechanisms, combined with a wastage filtering safety roughage dispenser (WFSRD) that includes a roughage holding region, dispensing region, wastage filtering catchment, and relocatable fixator, allowing for customizable spacing and easy assembly/disassembly, and efficient feed distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fencing systems are used with fixed posts and rigid members, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability for different species and ease of assembly are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fence system is divided into modular panels with individual vertical members that can be independently adjusted or removed. Each panel contains multiple apertures spaced at different heights, allowing customization for different animal species and sizes while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fence system transitions from a fixed, rigid structure to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Vertical members can be repositioned between apertures at different heights, and panels can be easily assembled or disassembled, enabling the same fence to adapt to different species requirements without compromising structural strength.
2Reliability
If traditional fencing with fixed members is used, then containment reliability is improved, but ease of operation for release and assembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system uses individually removable vertical members within modular panels. This segmentation allows quick release of specific animals by removing only the necessary panel or member, while the remaining fence structure maintains its containment reliability through the interconnected modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fence system enables quick, tool-free assembly and disassembly of panels and members through its modular design with complementary joining mechanisms. This self-service capability allows rapid configuration changes and animal release without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures, while maintaining secure containment when assembled.
3Ease of operation
If modular panels with individually releasable members are used, then ease of operation for release is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fence is organized into standardized modular panels with repeating patterns of apertures and vertical members. This segmentation creates a systematic, easily understandable structure where each panel is a self-contained unit with consistent assembly and release mechanisms, reducing operational complexity despite the modular nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panels and joining mechanisms are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same components and assembly methods to be used throughout the entire fence system. This universality simplifies operations by eliminating the need for different tools or procedures for different sections, reducing overall device complexity while enabling easy release and reconfiguration.
4Ease of operation
If barrier members are spaced to allow animal protrusion for feeding, then ease of operation for feeding is improved, but safety worsens due to entrapment risk
Solution Approach 1:
The fence panels include apertures at multiple heights with different spacing configurations. Lower apertures have smaller spacing to prevent entrapment of body parts, while upper apertures have larger spacing to allow animal heads and necks to protrude for feeding. This vertical segmentation of aperture functions simultaneously enables easy feeding access and prevents entrapment hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the fence structure have locally optimized characteristics: lower sections feature closely spaced apertures for safety, while upper sections feature widely spaced apertures for feeding access. This local differentiation of aperture spacing allows the same fence to provide both entrapment prevention and feeding ease without compromising either function.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to modular safety barrier panels with individually releasable barrier members. The barrier panel may, for example, include horizontal rails. The rails may, for example, each include a respective array of spatially distributed apertures. An array of barrier members may, for example, each be disposed through a corresponding aperture in the upper rail and into a corresponding aperture in the lower rail. One or more of the barrier members may, for example, also pass through an aperture of at least one coupling member. A selectively operated closure member may, in a locked mode, prevent removal of the barrier member out of the apertures. Various embodiments may advantageously provide rapid and tool-less assembly of a modular fence panel for livestock and/or release of one or more members of the modular fence panel.