Robotic Litter Processing With Nitrogen Separation and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing animal litter in livestock settings, such as poultry farms, require human labor and constant monitoring to detect and address undesirable conditions, which are often difficult to detect and treat effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-guided robotic litter processing vehicle equipped with sensors and automated systems that can detect conditions like ammonia, moisture, and pH levels, and apply treatments autonomously, using a nitrogen harvester system to separate and collect nitrogen particles for fertilizer production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual machines are pushed or pulled through litter by workers, then litter processing can be performed, but human labor requirements increase and monitoring efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic litter processing vehicle is equipped with sensors, processors, and automated treatment mechanisms that enable it to independently detect litter conditions, evaluate undesired states, and apply appropriate treatments without human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously navigating through litter, collecting sensor data, processing information, and executing treatment actions based on pre-programmed logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, processors, and automated mechanisms. The robotic vehicle substitutes human workers who previously manually pushed or pulled machines through litter, transforming a labor-intensive mechanical process into an automated system driven by electronic control and sensor feedback.
2Measurement precision
If workers manually monitor and treat litter conditions, then treatment can be applied, but detection precision and response time are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic vehicle incorporates sensors that continuously monitor litter conditions and feed this information back to a processor. The system evaluates sensor data to detect undesired conditions such as excessive moisture, ammonia levels, or pH imbalances, and automatically adjusts treatment applications based on this feedback loop, enabling precise detection and responsive treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system integrates multiple sensor types and treatment mechanisms into a single platform that can detect various litter conditions (moisture, ammonia, pH, temperature) and apply different treatments (aeration, chemical application, mechanical agitation) depending on what conditions are detected, providing comprehensive monitoring and treatment capabilities.
3Productivity
If constant site monitoring is performed manually, then conditions can be evaluated, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic vehicle enables continuous monitoring and treatment of litter conditions as it systematically moves through the livestock housing area. Unlike manual monitoring which occurs periodically, the automated system continuously collects sensor data and applies treatments in real-time, maintaining constant surveillance of litter conditions without interruption or human intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If nitrogen particles are separated and collected, then fertilizer production is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a nitrogen harvester that extracts and separates nitrogen particles from processed litter material. The harvester isolates valuable nitrogen-containing particles from the bulk litter stream, collecting them for fertilizer production while allowing other materials to be disposed of or reused, effectively extracting the valuable component from the mixture.
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 robotic system enables efficient, automated processing and treatment of animal litter, reducing labor requirements and improving litter quality, while also harvesting nitrogen for fertilizer use, thereby enhancing animal health and farm efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A sieve screen having a mesh size positioned laterally at a height above the floor enables nitrogen particles smaller than the mesh size to fall through the sieve and nitrogen particles larger than the mesh size to be captured on a top surface of the sieve
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum chute collects the particles smaller than the mesh size and deposits them into a collection bin
Data Source
AI summary
A system for harvesting nitrogen, comprising a motored robotic litter processing vehicle including an elongate housing creating an inner space for mounting components. A nitrogen harvester box connected to a rear portion of the vehicle is provided including a vacuum canopy connecting four sides to a floor, and wheels. A scoop level to ground having an opening facing the vehicle is enabled to collect litter material including nitrogen. A sieve screen having a mesh size positioned laterally at a height above the floor enables nitrogen particles smaller than the mesh size to fall through the sieve and nitrogen particles larger than the mesh size to be captured on a top surface of the sieve, wherein a vacuum chute collects the particles smaller than the mesh size and deposits them into a collection bin.