Poultry Container Side Panel Segmentation for Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Poultry containers used for transporting live poultry are often prone to damage and wear due to rough handling and chemical exposure, requiring a solution that is robust, hygienic, easy to repair, and adaptable to different conditions while being cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A releasable poultry container side panel made from a single synthetic material, featuring a displaceable locking element and apertures for aeration, which can be easily replaced, personalized, and adapted for varying conditions, with a secure and fool-proof coupling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If side panels are made from lighter material to reduce weight and cost, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel is divided into two functional parts: a robust basic structure (frame) that provides strength and durability, and a lighter screen panel that provides ventilation and can be easily replaced. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the frame for strength and the screen for light weight and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen panel is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily removed and replaced when damaged or worn. This allows the expensive frame structure to be preserved and reused while only the cheaper screen panel needs to be replaced, reducing overall maintenance costs and extending the lifecycle of the poultry container.
2Device complexity
If side panels are made as simple single moulded parts, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but repairability and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel is segmented into a frame structure and a screen panel that can be independently replaced. The screen panel itself can be made as a simple single-moulded part for ease of manufacture, while the overall assembly allows for easy repair by replacing just the screen panel when damaged, without needing to replace the entire side panel including the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism between the screen panel and frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable and easily releasable, allowing the screen panel to be quickly removed and replaced. This dynamic coupling system enables simple repair operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall construction.
3Ease of operation
If synthetic locking elements are integrated into side panels, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are integrated into the replaceable screen panel rather than being separate permanent components. When the screen panel becomes damaged or worn, including any integrated locking elements, the entire panel is replaced as a unit. This allows the locking function to be maintained through simple panel replacement rather than complex repair of individual locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are merged with the screen panel as an integrated assembly, typically injection-moulded as a single piece or with in-mould attachment. This merging simplifies the overall structure and ensures that the locking mechanism is always in good condition as long as the panel is intact, while the entire assembly can be easily replaced if needed.
4Ease of operation
If side panels are made lightweight for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but resistance to damage from rough handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel is segmented into a strong frame structure that provides damage resistance and a lighter screen panel that provides ventilation and can be easily handled. The frame bears the structural loads and protects against damage from rough handling, while the screen panel can be easily removed and replaced if damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen panel is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced when damaged. This allows the heavier, more damage-resistant frame to be preserved and reused, while only the lighter screen panel needs replacement, maintaining overall durability while keeping handling requirements reasonable.
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 provides a robust, hygienic, and cost-effective poultry container side panel that is easy to repair and adapt, ensuring secure coupling, easy cleaning, and reduced stress from thermal changes, while being lightweight and resistant to contamination.
Implementation Method 1
use may be made of the flexibility of the connecting synthetic material. In the situation of the use of only a single synthetic material the thickness of the material this flexibility may be realised by a construction where in between the displaceable locking element and the rectangular screen the material is preferably thinner than the material of the displaceable locking element and the rectangular screen
Implementation Method 2
a substantially rectangular screen (2) with apertures (3) to provide aeration of the internal side of the poultry container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a poultry container side panel for releasable connection to a container for holding live poultry, having a rectangular screen with apertures; a sideward protruding foot and at one coupling, which coupling comprises a support stationary connected to the rectangular screen and a displaceable locking element moveable between a coupling position and a release position. The invention also provides a poultry container for holding live poultry, with a side wall having a rectangular aperture for receiving a poultry container side panel as well as to the assembly of such poultry container side panel and such a poultry container.