Modular Hanging Tank Guard for Safe Livestock Water Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Livestock, especially young animals, can get into remote water tanks, leading to water fouling, illness, and potential death due to their inability to escape, posing a significant risk to ranching operations.
Innovation Solution
A hanging, moveable guard structure constructed of interchangeable members that can be configured to fit over existing tanks, providing access while deterring livestock entry, with optional spring-loaded doors for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If livestock tanks are placed in remote areas to provide water supply to ranging livestock, then the water supply coverage is improved, but the risk of livestock getting into the tank and fouling the water increases
Solution Approach 1:
A guard structure acts as an intermediary between the livestock and the water tank. The guard structure includes a hanging moveable barrier that livestock can push against to access water, but which provides feedback to deter them from entering the tank. This intermediary mechanism allows remote placement while preventing harmful entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanging moveable barrier provides mechanical feedback to livestock when they push against it. The barrier moves and springs back, creating a physical feedback mechanism that teaches livestock to avoid entering the tank while still allowing them to drink water through the opening.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed guard structure is used to prevent livestock entry, then livestock safety is improved, but the ability to access water is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guard structure employs a dynamic, moveable barrier instead of a fixed one. The barrier can move when livestock push against it, allowing them to access water, but springs back to its original position, providing continuous deterrence. This dynamic behavior simultaneously improves safety and maintains water access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy equipment is used to install permanent tanks and guards, then installation stability is improved, but the ease of installation in remote locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guard structure is divided into segmented, interchangeable members that can be easily transported and assembled without heavy equipment. The frame system consists of modular components that can be erected and secured manually, providing stable installation while maintaining ease of deployment in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard structure uses universal, interchangeable members that can be configured for different tank sizes and shapes. This modular design allows the same components to serve multiple functions and be installed in various locations without requiring location-specific custom fabrication or heavy installation equipment.
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 guard structure allows livestock to access water safely while preventing entry, reducing health risks and facilitating tank maintenance without heavy equipment, suitable for remote installations.
Implementation Method 1
the hanging guard structure is further comprised of a spring-loaded door, which opens outward from the interior of the structure and water tank
Data Source
AI summary
The herein described Stock Tank Guard is generally comprised of a hanging guard structure situated over an existing livestock water tank. The hanging guard structure is preferably constructed of a plurality of interchangeable members, which can be configured in any shape or size to fit over any existing livestock water tank. The guard structure hangs from a plurality of support poles fixed along the exterior perimeter of the existing livestock water tank. In an alternative embodiment, the guard structure hangs from a frame system comprised of interchangeable members erected around and above the existing livestock tank. The interchangeable member feature of the described invention has the added advantage of being able to package, sell, transport, and erect the apparatus in remote locations without heavy equipment that would be necessary for fixing large steel posts in the ground.