Movable Hopper Bedding Dispenser With Bridge-Breaking Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bedding dispensing systems for pharmaceutical preclinical research centres face issues with height and handling, construction complexity, ergonomics, necessity for compressed-air systems, and the formation of 'bridges' during dispensation, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact, stand-alone system with a single hopper that can be moved between loading and dispensing positions, using a simplified auger-type dispensation system, integrated dust suction, and a bridge breaker mechanism to prevent material bridges, all powered electrically without compressed air, allowing ergonomic adjustment and simultaneous treatment of multiple beddings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single movable hopper is used instead of separate loading and dispensing stations, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the hopper must be designed to accommodate both loading and dispensing functions which may increase its size
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper is designed as a universal container that performs both loading and dispensing functions. The same hopper receives bedding material during loading operations and subsequently distributes it during dispensing operations, eliminating the need for separate loading and dispensing stations. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The hopper is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned between loading and dispensing positions. This dynamic positioning capability enables the single hopper to access different operational zones, facilitating both material intake and distribution functions within a compact system configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the supporting plane is fixed at a non-ergonomic height, then construction complexity is reduced, but operator ergonomics deteriorate causing weariness
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting plane is designed to be adjustable in height rather than fixed, allowing operators to position it at ergonomic levels during different operational phases. This dynamic adjustment capability improves operator comfort during repetitive filling operations while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting plane adjustment system is designed to be operator-controlled through simple mechanisms, allowing operators to independently adjust the plane to their preferred height without requiring complex external adjustment systems or specialized tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If compressed air systems are used for dispensing, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to air supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air system is completely removed from the dispensing mechanism. Instead of using pressurized air to control dosing, the system relies on gravitational flow and mechanical auger control to achieve precise bedding distribution, eliminating the complexity of air supply infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic control system is replaced with a purely mechanical auger-based dosing system. The auger mechanism provides precise control over bedding discharge through mechanical rotation and gating, achieving dosing precision without requiring compressed air infrastructure.
4Productivity
If light bedding materials are used, then productivity is improved due to easier handling, but material bridges form during dispensing causing dosing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge breaker mechanism introduces controlled vibrations to the hopper and dispensing channel walls. This vibration prevents light bedding materials from forming stable bridges by disrupting the arching effect, ensuring continuous and reliable material flow to the dosing point.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge breaker acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the bedding material and the dispensing system. By physically contacting and agitating the material stream, it prevents bridge formation and ensures reliable material delivery without affecting the lightness or handling properties of the bedding itself.
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 ensures accurate and efficient bedding dispensation with reduced complexity, ergonomic operation, and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for compressed air and preventing material bridges, while maintaining precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Suction system 5: it is located in the area of the cages to suck in the dusty part of the bedding generated during the loading and dispensing phases
Implementation Method 2
Dispensation system 4: It may be implemented by using different technologies (e.g. gravity-operated gate valves, augers, mechanical systems)
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus configured for dispensing bedding inside of breeding cages for use in pharmaceutical preclinical research centres, comprising: - a loading hopper (11) located in the upper part of the apparatus, and adapted to contain the bedding to be supplied to the cages; - at least one supporting plane (16) adapted to support one or more cages, and positioned under the hopper; - actuating means (12) under the hopper, adapted to raise or lower said hopper and said at least one supporting plane (16); - one or more dosing mouths (18) located in the lower part of the loading hopper (11), and adapted to feed into the cages given quantities of bedding from the hopper; - a dispensation system adapted to dispense bedding into the cages through said one or more dosing mouths (18); - a control system (32) adapted to determine said quantity of bedding and to control said actuating means (12); - a base (25) for supporting the apparatus.