Poultry Handling Platform with Automated Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for handling poultry in coops, such as the Bromax system, require manual labor to load poultry into containers, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when coops are arranged at multiple levels, as it necessitates manual handling and separate equipment for transporting containers.
Innovation Solution
A device with a frame and horizontal platforms at multiple levels, equipped with discharge and feed transport elements, allows for the separation of poultry handling from container handling, enabling efficient transfer and movement of containers between conveyors, and includes features like roller conveyors, modular sections, and adjustable ramps to facilitate easy operation and reduce labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used to load poultry into containers, then the process is simple to operate, but labor requirements increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A platform is introduced as an intermediary structure between the poultry conveyor and the container. The platform receives poultry from the conveyor and facilitates transfer to containers, separating the poultry handling function from the container handling function. This mediator structure enables automated poultry delivery while keeping container positioning simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading system is divided into separate functional modules: a poultry conveyor for animal transport, a platform for receiving and positioning poultry, and containers for holding loaded poultry. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the conveyor handles poultry efficiently while the platform maintains operational simplicity.
2Area of stationary object
If coops are arranged at multiple levels, then space utilization improves, but separate equipment for transporting containers between levels is required
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves multiple functions: it receives poultry from the conveyor, positions containers for loading, and acts as a transfer point between different levels. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate container transport equipment between levels, as the platform itself handles both poultry and container management.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of poultry reception, container positioning, and level transition are merged into a single integrated platform structure. By combining these functions, the system achieves efficient vertical space utilization without requiring additional separate equipment for container transport between levels.
3Productivity
If containers are moved manually between platforms and discharge areas, then equipment complexity is reduced, but labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting element is introduced as an intermediary transport mechanism between the platform and the discharge transport element. This connecting element automatically transfers filled containers from the loading platform to the discharge area, eliminating manual container movement while keeping the overall system structure simple and modular.
4Ease of operation
If discharge transport elements are positioned on the side of platforms facing away from the conveyor, then poultry handling is simplified, but container transport distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container transport path is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) poultry loading on the platform side facing the conveyor, and (2) container discharge via connecting elements to the discharge transport element on the opposite side. This segmentation allows poultry handling to remain simple while the container transport path, though extended, is automated and does not interfere with the loading operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for facilitating the placing of poultry animals supplied on at least one poultry conveyor into containers is provided with a frame, a number of first platforms mounted on the frame and extending horizontally at a first level for the purpose of carrying a container for each of the poultry conveyors. Each first platform is located at the end of a poultry conveyor. At least a first discharge transport element is mounted on the frame at the first level and extending transversely of the poultry conveyors and situated on the side of the platforms facing away from the poultry conveyor for the purpose of carrying away containers filled with poultry. A first connecting element extends between the first discharge transport element and each of the first platforms and mounted on the frame for the purpose of transporting containers filled with poultry between the relevant platform and the discharge transport element. The invention also relates to a method.