Portable Livestock Working Chute with Hydraulic Squeeze
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ranchers face challenges in accessing livestock for palpation, marking, or veterinary care in remote locations due to the time-consuming and costly construction of permanent palpation corrals.
Innovation Solution
A portable Working Chute equipped with a hydraulic gooseneck hitch, torsion tube, walking beam hydraulic lift, main frame, alleyway escape gates, palpation gates, solar panel, battery, and hydraulic pump, allowing for easy setup and operation in remote areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a permanent palpation corral is built in remote locations, then livestock access for palpation and care is enabled, but construction time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The palpation corral is divided into separate modular panels that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel is a self-contained unit with specific functions (squeeze panels, head gate, exit gates), allowing rapid deployment without constructing a permanent structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The corral structure transitions from static permanent construction to dynamic portable assembly. The modular panels can be quickly assembled, deployed, and relocated as needed, providing temporary functionality without permanent installation.
2Loss of time
If a portable Working Chute is used, then setup time and cost are reduced, but structural complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (squeeze panels, head gate, exit gates, hydraulic systems) are integrated into a unified modular panel structure. The panels combine structural support, containment, and hydraulic actuation functions within single assembled units, reducing the number of separate parts to manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panels serve multiple functions: structural support, livestock containment, squeezing mechanism, and hydraulic mounting. Each panel type (outside, inside, squeeze) can be configured for different operational needs while maintaining a standardized assembly approach.
3Extent of automation
If hydraulic systems are integrated into the portable chute, then operational automation is improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic cylinders are integrated into the modular panels to provide automated squeezing and gate operation. The hydraulic system replaces manual mechanical operations, allowing single-person control of multiple functions through fluid power actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is designed to be self-contained within the portable unit, with the pump and control mechanisms integrated into the chute structure. The system operates autonomously once activated, requiring minimal external intervention during livestock handling operations.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective access to livestock for palpation and care in remote locations, requiring minimal setup time and effort, and can be operated by a single individual.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel; a battery; and a hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic gooseneck hitch; a walking beam hydraulic lift; and a hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 3
a torsion tube
Data Source
AI summary
The Working Chute is comprised of a hydraulic gooseneck hitch; a torsion tube; a walking beam hydraulic lift; a walking beam axle; a main frame; alleyway escape gates; palpation gates; right and a left exit gates; two folding panels; outside panels; inside panels; a solar panel; a battery; and a hydraulic pump. The Working Chute can also be comprised of a dirt alleyway; a rubber floor; tires; a rolling tail gate; a drop in lock for extended panels; a chute panels parallel squeeze from both sides; a head gate squeezes from front; a section between tires for parallel squeeze; a hydraulic cylinder; a hitch; a hydraulic control for goose neck; a hydraulic control for rear lift; and a center point of walking axle which is a main pivot point. The Working Chute allows ranchers to access the livestock for palpation requirements such as marking, veterinary, or livestock care purposes. The Working Chute is both portable and that serves the various palpation needs of a livestock owner.