Pivot Gate Actuation Mechanism for Cattle Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feeding stations, particularly those designed for cattle, face challenges in providing a gentle and effective gate actuation mechanism that does not chafe the animal's neck or back, and often require external pneumatic cylinders for operation.
Innovation Solution
A gate arrangement with a pivotably suspended gate actuated by a linkage and rotatable member, where the animal's neck or back activates the gate via a rotatable member that pivots about a horizontal axis, eliminating the need for pneumatic cylinders and providing a gentle, massage-like interaction with bristles or soft materials to avoid chafing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common metal tube clapper is used to actuate the gate, then the gate can be closed effectively, but it chafes against the neck and/or back of cattle entering the cage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the actuation member by replacing a rigid metal tube with a rotatable member covered in soft material (rubber or plastic foam). This material parameter change eliminates chafing while maintaining gate actuation functionality. The rotatable member can rotate about a horizontal axis, allowing it to conform to the animal's movement without causing friction damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic elements by making the actuation member rotatable rather than fixed. The rotatable member can pivot and rotate in response to the animal's movement, adapting its position dynamically. This dynamic behavior allows the soft material to maintain contact with the animal's neck or back without chafing, while still effectively actuating the gate mechanism.
2Reliability
If pneumatic cylinders are used to operate the rear gate, then the gate can be operated reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by enabling the animal itself to actuate the gate mechanism. The animal's natural movement through the feeding station triggers the gate closure through its own body contact with the actuation member. This eliminates the need for external pneumatic cylinders or other complex actuation systems, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable gate operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the pneumatic mechanical system with a simpler mechanical contact system. Instead of using compressed air and complex pneumatic cylinders, the gate is actuated by direct mechanical contact between the animal's body and the soft rotatable member. This substitution dramatically simplifies the overall system while maintaining functional reliability.
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
This solution allows for smooth gate operation without chafing, reduces stress on animals, and increases milk production by providing an agreeable feeding experience, while accommodating animals of different lengths and preventing jams.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable member is arranged to rotate about a substantially horizontal second pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
The actuation member is suspended to pivot about a substantially horizontal first pivot axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Herein a gate arrangement (4) adapted to be used in an animal feeding station (2) is disclosed. The gate arrangement (4) comprising a gate (13) arranged to be pivotably suspended, and a gate actuation mechanism (14). The gate actuation mechanism (14) comprises a Iinkage (16) and an actuation member (18). The linkage (16) connects the actuation member (18) with the gate (13). The actuation member (18) is arranged to be actuated by a neck and/or a back of an animal to pivot the gate (13) via the linkage (16). The actuation member (18) comprises a rotatable member (27) arranged to abut against the neck and/or the back of the animal. Further an animal feeding station (2) is disclosed.