Overhead Livestock Enclosure Washer for Bidirectional Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing livestock enclosure cleaning systems rely on floor-based mechanisms that are not feasible in all pen configurations and are limited in bidirectional movement, requiring manual resetting for cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled overhead system with a guide track assembly and a mobile spray unit that moves along the track, enabling automated cleaning in both directions and independent of floor-based elements, using a mobile conduit support platform and a movement mechanism with rotatable wheels and motors to navigate the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floor-based cleaning mechanisms are used, then cleaning function is provided, but the system is not feasible in all pen configurations and is limited in bidirectional movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the cleaning system from floor-based operation to overhead track-based operation, moving the cleaning mechanism from the horizontal floor plane to the vertical overhead space. This dimensional change allows the system to navigate above livestock enclosures without interfering with floor-based pen configurations, thereby achieving versatility across different pen designs while simplifying the mechanical guidance system through fixed overhead tracks.
2Productivity
If manual resetting is required for cleaning systems, then cleaning coverage is achieved, but cleaning efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead cleaning system incorporates self-propelled mobile units that automatically traverse the track and perform cleaning operations without requiring manual resetting or intervention. The system autonomously navigates bidirectionally along the overhead track, cleans targeted areas, and returns to its starting position automatically, thereby eliminating manual operation requirements and significantly improving cleaning productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If floor-based cleaning systems are used, then cleaning is performed, but bidirectional movement is limited and manual resetting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead cleaning system employs dynamically controllable mobile units that can autonomously change direction and traverse the track bidirectionally. The system incorporates movable cleaning components and rotatable nozzles that can dynamically adjust their orientation and position during operation, enabling seamless bidirectional movement along the overhead track without requiring manual resetting, thereby eliminating time loss and enhancing operational flexibility.
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
Facilitates efficient, automated, and bidirectional cleaning of livestock enclosures, reducing manual intervention and enhancing cleaning flexibility and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of movement wheels rotatably mounted on the frame and positioned to engage the track assembly such that rotation of at least one of the movement wheels causes the mobile spray assembly to move along the guide track assembly
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle mechanism configured to disperse the cleaning fluid from the mobile unit into the interior space of the livestock confinement building
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure washing system for cleaning the interior of a livestock confinement building may include a guide track assembly for positioning in an elevated condition above the building floor, and a mobile unit movable along the track assembly. The mobile unit may include a frame and a movement mechanism to move the unit along the track assembly. The movement mechanism may include movement wheels rotatably mounted on the frame to engage the track assembly and a movement motor to rotate at least one movement wheel. The mobile unit may have a nozzle mechanism configured to disperse the cleaning fluid from the mobile unit into the interior space of the livestock confinement building. Elements of the nozzle mechanism may be rotatable to direct the cleaning fluid around the interior space of the livestock confinement building.