Portable Cattle Corral with Swing-Out Braces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ranchers face challenges in sorting livestock for veterinary procedures or marketing purposes in remote locations without permanent corrals, as building such corrals is time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A portable cattle corral system comprising 24 ft, 22 ft, and 12 ft panels, a central main frame, swing-out braces, off-set hinges, a rear cage, and a goose-neck hitch, allowing for configuration as a closed corral or alleyway, and easy transportation and setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a permanent corral is built in remote locations, then livestock sorting functionality is provided, but setup time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The corral is divided into multiple detachable panels of different lengths (24 ft, 22 ft, 12 ft) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the corral to be quickly configured and relocated without requiring permanent construction, directly resolving the contradiction between providing functional corrals and minimizing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The corral employs dynamic connection mechanisms including swing-out braces and offset hinges that allow panels to be easily connected and disconnected. The swing-out braces provide stable connections while allowing for quick assembly/disassembly, and the offset hinges enable panels to fold into compact configurations for transport, making the corral adaptable between permanent-use and portable states.
2Ease of operation
If a permanent corral is built in remote locations, then livestock sorting functionality is provided, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the corral into standardized panels that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site, the system reduces construction costs compared to building permanent structures. The modular design allows for simpler, more economical materials and construction methods while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable corral system serves multiple functions: it can be configured as closed corrals for sorting, as alleyways for livestock flow control, and folded into compact forms for transport. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate permanent structures, reducing overall construction costs while providing continuous livestock management capability.
3Loss of time
If portable panels are used, then setup time is reduced, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The swing-out braces provide dynamic stabilization, swinging out to engage with the panels and create rigid triangular support structures when connected. This dynamic mechanism ensures structural stability during use while allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, resolving the contradiction between portability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The corral employs composite construction combining metal framing members with panel materials to create structurally stable assemblies. The combination of rigid framing elements and appropriate panel materials ensures that the portable structure achieves the necessary strength and stability for livestock containment while maintaining ease of assembly and portability.
Data Source
AI summary
Ranchers and other owners of livestock commonly have a need for a transportable means of setting up a corral for numerous purposes. Sorting must take place in a remote location or a location without a permanent corral, which are prohibitively time consuming and expensive to build. In many cases, a simple, but robust, fencing structure is needed to guide the cattle in the proper direction into a separate sorting corral. A preferred embodiment of the Portable Cattle Wing is comprised of two twenty-four foot panels; two twenty-two foot panels; two twelve foot panels; two four foot gates; two twelve foot gates; a main frame; a plurality of swing-out braces; and a goose-neck hitch.