Pivotable Net Frame for Livestock Feed Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeding systems in livestock transport trailers face issues with feed displacement, leading to mess and potential health problems for livestock and handlers, as current solutions like mesh bags and open-topped containers are either time-consuming or prone to dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A feeding device with a pivotable net frame and retention mechanism, such as a gas spring, that connects to the trailer's interior surface, allowing the net to cover the feed in a closed position while allowing livestock to eat through it, preventing displacement and minimizing contact with the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mesh bags or open-topped containers are used to hold feed, then feed containment is improved, but the device complexity increases and they are prone to dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The net frame is designed to be pivotable between an open position (for feed loading) and a closed position (for feeding), allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the net to effectively contain feed while maintaining simplicity in structure, as the same net serves multiple functional states without requiring complex locking mechanisms or additional containment devices.
2Reliability
If mesh bags are used to contain feed, then feed displacement is reduced, but the time required to prepare and use the feeding system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The net is pre-installed on the net frame and positioned in advance, eliminating the need to assemble or prepare the containment structure at the time of feeding. The pivotable mechanism is pre-configured to swing between open and closed positions, allowing rapid transition from feed loading to feeding without time-consuming assembly steps, thus reducing preparation time while maintaining effective feed containment.
3Reliability
If a fixed net structure is used to cover feed, then feed displacement is prevented, but the system cannot be easily adjusted to fit different trailer mangers
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable net frame allows the system to adapt to different manger sizes and configurations by adjusting the angle and position of the net during the feeding process. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same net structure to effectively contain feed across various trailer types and manger dimensions, providing versatility without compromising feed containment 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
The device effectively prevents feed displacement, reducing waste and airborne particulates, while being easy to use and retrofit, with adjustable components to fit different trailer mangers.
Implementation Method 1
The retention mechanism may be provided by a gas spring connected between an end of the wall bracket and the net frame
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding device for preventing displacement of feed during livestock feeding inside a livestock trailer is described. The device includes a wall bracket configured for connection of the device to an interior surface of the trailer and a net frame having a net connected thereto. The net frame is connected to the wall bracket and pivotable from an elevated open position permitting the feed to be placed on a substantially flat manger surface of the trailer to a substantially horizontal closed position where the net covers the feed on the manger surface and permits the livestock feeding to occur through the net while the net prevents the displacement of the feed.