Pivoting Gestation Stall Gate Assembly with Mechanical Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing free access sow gestation stall gate assemblies are complex and costly due to their mechanical, electronic, or pneumatic components, which span the entire stall and limit aisle space.
Innovation Solution
A gestation stall gate assembly that includes a gate, a gate support, and a gate control assembly, where the gate pivots around a vertical axis, and the gate control assembly allows the gate to pivot from a closed position to inwardly and outwardly open positions without electronic or pneumatic components, using a locking bar, latch, and rotating control bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gate assembly spans from the front of the stall to the back of the stall, then the gate can control access effectively, but the complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly is segmented into two distinct parts: a fixed portion attached to the stall front and a movable portion that pivots on a vertical axis. This segmentation allows the movable part to provide effective access control while the fixed part remains simple and stationary, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the gate pivot horizontally along the stall length, the gate pivots on a vertical axis. This inversion of the pivot orientation simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex horizontal tracking while maintaining effective access control.
2Extent of automation
If electronic or pneumatic components are used in the gate assembly, then automated control is achieved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly utilizes the sow's own pushing action to automatically trigger the gate's movement and locking mechanisms. The mechanical components are designed to respond automatically to the sow's entry behavior without requiring external electronic or pneumatic actuators, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
3Reliability
If the gate pivots horizontally along the stall, then access control is provided, but aisle space is limited when the gate is open
Solution Approach 1:
The gate pivots on a vertical axis rather than horizontally along the stall, inverting the traditional pivot orientation. This allows the gate to swing open into the stall area rather than extending into the aisle, preserving aisle space while maintaining access control functionality.
4Reliability
If the gate assembly includes actuators at both front and rear of the stall, then complete access control is achieved, but the span and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rear actuator is extracted from the design, leaving only the fixed portion at the stall front and the movable pivoting portion. The movable gate provides sufficient access control through its pivoting action and mechanical locking, eliminating the need for a rear actuator and reducing the overall span and complexity of the assembly.
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 solution simplifies the gate assembly, reduces costs, and allows for efficient sow access and exit without the need for complex mechanisms, while maintaining control over gate positions.
Implementation Method 1
the force of gravity biases the gate toward the closed gate position
Data Source
AI summary
A gestation stall gate assembly includes a gate support, a gate pivotably coupled to the gate support, and a gate control assembly. The gate is pivotable between an inwardly open position, a closed position, and an outwardly open position. The gate control assembly is configured to (i) allow the gate to pivot from the closed position to the inwardly open position when a sow pushes against the gate to pivot the gate toward the inwardly open position, (ii) prevent the gate from pivoting from the closed position to the inwardly open position for a second time until the gate is pivoted from the closed position to the outwardly open position, and (iii) allow the gate to pivot from the closed position to the outwardly open position when the sow pushes against the gate to pivot the gate toward the outwardly open position.