Retractable Track Vehicle for Stable Manure Lagoon Agitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for agitating manure lagoons are complex, dirty, and inefficient, failing to effectively mix liquid and solid portions, and lack ease of operation, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled liquid delivery vehicle with track assemblies that can extend for stability, a power system, and a liquid delivery system, allowing for remote control and efficient agitation of manure lagoons while complying with road width restrictions and being easy to build, operate, and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing mixing mechanisms are used to agitate manure lagoons, then mixing capability is provided, but the systems are complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is divided into multiple nozzle assemblies distributed around the lagoon perimeter, each independently controllable. This segmentation allows simplified operation of individual units while achieving comprehensive mixing coverage, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and effective mixing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle platform serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion through track assemblies, supports the mixing nozzles, offers flotation capability, and enables self-positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mixing equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a wide base is used to provide stability during operation, then stability is improved, but the vehicle cannot comply with road width travel restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The track assemblies are designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. When extended, they provide a wide base for stability during lagoon mixing operations. When retracted, they reduce the vehicle width to comply with road travel restrictions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assemblies can be nested or folded into the vehicle body when not in use, allowing the vehicle to maintain a compact profile for road transport while expanding to provide structural stability during operational phases.
3Reliability
If manual operation is used for mixing, then direct control is achieved, but safety risks increase in dirty and hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with self-propulsion capabilities through track assemblies, eliminating the need for manual positioning by operators. The system serves itself by autonomously navigating to positions around the lagoon and deploying nozzles for mixing operations, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical mixing operations are replaced with a powered vehicle system that uses track propulsion and pumped liquid delivery for mixing. This substitution removes operators from hazardous environments while maintaining effective mixing capability through automated control systems.
4Reliability
If custom-built specialized equipment is designed for lagoon agitation, then specific performance requirements are met, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle platform is designed to perform multiple functions including propulsion, flotation, positioning, and mixing support. By consolidating these functions into a single platform, the system achieves specialized performance requirements without requiring multiple separate custom-built components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable track assemblies provide dynamic adaptability for different operational conditions while using standardized components that can be manufactured using conventional processes, balancing performance requirements with ease of manufacture.
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 vehicle provides efficient and safe agitation of manure lagoons, improving stability and ease of operation while being cost-effective and durable, with the ability to comply with road travel restrictions and maintain a wide operational base.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of track assemblies configured to facilitate propulsion of the self-propelled liquid delivery vehicle when on land
Implementation Method 2
the pair of track assemblies are configured to facilitate floating of the self-propelled liquid delivery vehicle when in a liquid
Implementation Method 3
a liquid delivery system configured to facilitate agitation of a manure lagoon
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more arrangements, a self-propelled liquid delivery vehicle is presented which has a frame assembly, drive members (e.g. a pair of track assemblies), a power system, and a liquid delivery system. In one arrangement, the pair of track assemblies are configured to facilitate propulsion of the self-propelled liquid vehicle when on land. In one arrangement, the pair of track assemblies are configured to facilitate floating of the self-propelled liquid delivery vehicle when in a liquid. In one arrangement, the drive members (e.g. a pair of track assemblies) are configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In one arrangement, an extension assembly is configured to move the drive members between an extended position and a retracted position.