Movable Arm Fluid Dispensing for Poultry Vaccination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass vaccination systems for animals are bulky, requiring extensive space and are not suitable for small livestock farms, and they lack efficient and uniform distribution of fluids to animals in open trays.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with a movable arm carrying multiple fluid distribution nozzles, synchronized with an electric motor drive unit and syringe piston, allowing for precise control over fluid distribution to ensure uniform coverage of an open tray, enabling the simultaneous administration of two distinct fluids like sprays and gels with minimized space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conveyor systems with multiple fixed nozzle supports are used for mass vaccination, then large numbers of animals can be treated simultaneously, but the installation becomes bulky and requires extensive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple nozzle functions into a single movable arm that can service the entire tray. Instead of having separate fixed nozzle supports for each treatment area, one arm with multiple nozzles travels along the tray to deliver different fluids (vaccine spray, gel, etc.) to all animals in a single stationary position, eliminating the need for extensive conveyor systems and multiple fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static multiple nozzle supports to a dynamic single movable arm. The arm moves horizontally along the tray to access different treatment zones, while the tray remains stationary. This dynamic approach reduces the physical footprint of the installation while maintaining the capability to treat large numbers of animals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trays are moved on conveyors to different treatment areas, then different fluid treatments can be administered, but the system becomes complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid delivery functions (spray nozzles, gel dispensers, etc.) onto a single movable arm. The arm carries all necessary nozzles and is controlled by a centralized system that coordinates arm movement with fluid dispensing, eliminating the need for separate fixed supports for each treatment type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single movable arm serves multiple functions by delivering different fluids (vaccines, gels, nutritional substances) to animals in the same tray. The arm can be programmed to administer various treatments in sequence as it moves along the tray, making one component perform the work of multiple specialized components.
3Area of stationary object
If a single arm with multiple nozzles moves over a stationary tray, then space requirements are reduced, but precise synchronization of arm movement and fluid dispensing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the position and speed of the movable arm and adjusts fluid dispensing accordingly. Sensors detect arm location and trigger nozzle activation at precise moments, ensuring that fluids are delivered at the correct positions along the tray while the arm moves. This feedback mechanism coordinates movement and dispensing without requiring complex mechanical synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical synchronization mechanisms (gears, linkages, cam systems) with an electrical control system. The control device uses electrical signals to coordinate arm motor operation with syringe piston actuation, allowing precise timing and positioning control through software rather than complex mechanical coupling.
4Manufacturing precision
If syringe piston speed is synchronized with arm movement speed, then uniform fluid distribution is achieved, but the control system must precisely coordinate both motions
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from position sensors on the arm to regulate syringe piston speed. As the arm moves at controlled speeds, the system monitors arm position and adjusts piston actuation to maintain consistent fluid delivery rates, ensuring uniform distribution across the tray regardless of variations in arm movement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operational parameters (piston feed speed, arm movement speed, nozzle activation timing) to optimize fluid distribution. By varying these parameters in real-time based on arm position and tray characteristics, the system achieves uniform fluid application while accommodating different treatment scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering droplets of fluids onto an open tray containing poultry. According to the invention, the apparatus includes a stationary working surface, a single arm carrying a plurality of fluid dispensing nozzles, a drive unit comprising an electric motor for driving the translation of said single arm, said plurality of dispensing nozzles being connected to at least one fluid supply circuit comprising a fluid reservoir for supplying dispensing nozzles, the volume of fluid drawn from said reservoir being determined by a syringe, movement of the plunger of which is controlled by an electrical control element so that the plunger has a feed velocity V in the corresponding syringe. The apparatus also includes a controller for controlling the motor speed and the plunger feed velocity, said controller being configured to synchronize the acceleration/deceleration of the movable arm and the acceleration/deceleration of the plunger of said syringe or of at least one of said syringes.