Reversible Bail Element for Universal Animal Entry Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal bail apparatuses are costly to transport due to their volume and require different configurations depending on the entry direction, leading to high stocking requirements and complex logistics.
Innovation Solution
A bail element with a partition element that can be mounted in two orientations relative to the overhead support member, allowing the same apparatus to be used for animals entering from either direction, and can be supplied in a knocked-down, flat-pack form for easy assembly and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bail apparatus is designed for single-direction animal entry, then it provides proper animal separation functionality, but it requires different configurations for different entry directions leading to high stocking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The partition element is designed with a mounting means that allows it to be selectively mounted in one of two orientations (first orientation or second orientation) relative to the overhead support member. This enables the same bail apparatus configuration to accommodate animals entering from either direction, making the apparatus universal and eliminating the need for separate stock for different entry directions.
2Ease of manufacture
If bail apparatus is supplied in complete assembled form, then it provides ready-to-use functionality, but it results in relatively expensive transportation due to the volume required
Solution Approach 1:
The bail apparatus is divided into separable components including the overhead support member, the partition element, and the mounting means. These components can be supplied in a knocked-down or disassembled form that reduces transportation volume, and then assembled on-site to provide ready-to-use functionality. The partition element can be selectively mounted in different orientations after assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If partition element is mounted in fixed orientation, then it provides stable animal separation, but it requires different apparatus configurations for different entry directions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting means is designed to allow the partition element to be selectively mounted in one of two orientations. This dynamic configuration capability enables the same apparatus to adapt to different animal entry directions while maintaining stable and proper animal separation in each orientation. The partition element can be firmly secured in either the first or second orientation depending on operational requirements.
Data Source
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Figure 2~7
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Bail apparatus (1) comprises an overhead support member (3) which is suspended from an overhead support framework (14) by a linkage mechanism (11) from an operating member (12), so that the bail apparatus is operable in a lower operative state for separating animals and an upper release state for releasing the animals from a milking parlour (2). A plurality of bail elements (8) are mounted at spaced apart locations along the overhead support member (3), and each bail element comprises a partition element (22) which extends substantially transversely of the overhead support member (3) at an angle a of approximately 78.5°. A coupling bracket (17) couples each bail element (8) to the overhead support member (3). A mounting plate member (18) extending downwardly from the coupling bracket (17) is bent along a bend axis (50) which defines first and second forward abutment faces (51,52) and first and second rearward abutment faces (55,56) for facilitating engagement of the corresponding partition element (22) in a selected one of first and second selectable orientations with the partition element (22) extending in respective different directions from the overhead support member (3) at the respective angles a, a' of 78.5°. A forward engagement member (35) of a forward part (20) of each partition element (22) is provided for engaging a selected one of the first and second forward abutment faces (51,52) of the mounting plate member (18), and a rearward engagement member (30) of a rearward part (21) of each partition element (22) is provided for engaging a selected one the first and second rearward abutment faces (55,56) for locating the partition element (22) in the selected one of the first and second orientations.