Retractable Aviary Platforms for Hen Space and Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing poultry facilities face challenges in adapting to new legislation requiring increased space and improved hygiene standards for laying hens, while minimizing human intervention for maintenance and cleaning tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular extension system for aviaries that includes platforms with support and retraction means, allowing them to switch between operational and retracted positions, and features like mesh floors and conveyor belts for manure and litter management, enabling automated operations and reduced personnel access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If permanent passageways are provided for personnel access, then maintenance and cleaning operations can be performed, but the usable surface area for hens is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The passageway is designed as a movable platform that can be positioned in different locations along the aviary. This dynamic structure allows the passageway to be moved out of the way when not in use, maximizing the usable surface area for hens, while still providing access when needed for maintenance and cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable platform serves as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between the need for personnel access and the desire to maximize hen space. The platform can be deployed to provide access pathways and retracted to eliminate obstacles, mediating between these two conflicting requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of hens per square metre is reduced to comply with legislation, then housing conditions improve, but the number of hens that can be housed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform system utilizes the vertical dimension and movable horizontal positioning to create additional functional space. By moving the passageway platform, the system effectively increases the usable floor area for hens while maintaining compliance with spacing requirements, thereby allowing more hens to be housed in the same facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameters of the aviary by dynamically adjusting the position and configuration of the passageway platform. This allows optimization of the hens-per-square-metre ratio to meet legislative requirements while maximizing the total number of hens that can be accommodated through efficient space utilization.
3Extent of automation
If access passageways are provided for personnel, then maintenance tasks can be performed, but the system requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The automatically movable platform system reduces the need for continuous human intervention by autonomously positioning itself for maintenance operations and returning to its stowed position. This dynamic automation allows maintenance tasks to be performed with minimal human involvement while still providing necessary access when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system is designed to serve itself by automatically moving into position for maintenance operations and returning to its stowed position without requiring constant human operation. This self-service capability reduces the extent of human intervention needed while maintaining the ease of performing maintenance tasks.
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 increases usable space by over 15% and facilitates efficient maintenance and cleaning, reducing the need for human intervention and compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
the platform comprising a conveyor belt for said faeces located underneath the mesh for the transport of the poultry manure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5.1~5.2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for extending the useable surface of a multilevel aviary, which comprises at least one platform (100) comprising, in turn, support and retraction means suitable for positioning the platform (100) in the multilevel aviary such that, in an operative position, the platform becomes an extension of the floor of at least one level of the aviary and, in a retracted position, the corresponding access passageway of the multilevel aviary is empty. The invention also relates to a multilevel aviary comprising the extension system.