Refrigerated Livestock Container Handling for Biosecure Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dead animal collection systems on farms face issues with delayed collection, leading to health hazards due to decomposition gases and liquids, and risk of contamination spread between farms, as farmers and drivers manually handle containers, exposing them to potential pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A dead livestock collection system comprising a refrigerated container with a top-loading mechanism, a collection vehicle with a refrigeration chamber and disinfection capabilities, and wireless signal transmitters for remote operation, allowing for automated collection and transport while maintaining a controlled environment to prevent contamination and odor release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of containers by farmers and drivers is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but health hazards and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A loading mechanism with a grasping device acts as an intermediary between the container and the collection box, enabling automated transfer of dead livestock without direct human contact. The mechanism includes a grasping device that secures the container, a lifting device that raises it, and a tilting device that empties its contents into the collection box, thereby eliminating manual handling while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated loading mechanism controlled by the driver from within the vehicle. The system uses coordinated mechanical devices (grasping, lifting, tilting) that can be operated remotely, substituting direct human physical contact with automated mechanical systems that reduce exposure to pathogens
2Productivity
If collection timing is delayed until farmer notification, then operational efficiency is maintained, but decomposition and odor release occur
Solution Approach 1:
A notification device provides feedback to the driver when the container reaches a predetermined fill level or when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the first dead animal was deposited. This automated feedback system triggers a collection operation, ensuring timely removal of dead livestock before decomposition occurs, while maintaining operational efficiency through automated monitoring rather than continuous manual checking
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and notification actions to trigger collection before decomposition becomes problematic. By continuously monitoring container status and notifying the driver in advance when collection is needed, the system prevents the harmful effects of delayed collection while maintaining efficient operational scheduling
3Ease of operation
If driver exits vehicle to operate loading mechanism, then operational control is improved, but contamination spread risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading mechanism serves as an intermediary that the driver can control from within the vehicle. The driver operates the grasping, lifting, and tilting devices through controls inside the cab, eliminating the need to exit the vehicle. This maintains full operational control while preventing the driver from stepping on contaminated ground and potentially spreading pathogens to other locations
4Reliability
If refrigeration is applied to container, then decomposition is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration unit is activated in advance to cool the container before dead livestock are deposited, and maintains cooling during the collection process. By establishing refrigeration beforehand and maintaining it continuously during brief collection operations, the system effectively prevents decomposition and associated harmful effects while minimizing total energy consumption compared to prolonged refrigeration
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 system ensures timely and safe collection of dead animals, reducing health risks for workers and preventing cross-contamination between farms by maintaining a refrigerated environment and using disinfection mechanisms, thereby improving sanitary safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration unit arranged to maintain the container refrigerated
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a dead livestock collection system comprising: a container located at a collection site close to a delimiting perimeter of a farm; a collection vehicle having a collection box with a top opening; a loading mechanism of the collection vehicle for grasping the container, lift and tip it to unload the dead livestock into the collection box; wherein the collection site has an inner access side, through which the container is accessible from inside or through the delimiting perimeter, and an opposite outer access side through which the container is accessible to the collection vehicle from outside the delimiting perimeter; the system further comprising: a refrigeration chamber for refrigerating the container and provided with a door; a door actuation unit of said door; and a translation unit for moving the container from the refrigeration chamber to the collection site and vice versa while said door is open.