Robotic Litter Processing System with Sensor-Based Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for processing livestock litter in agricultural settings require human labor and constant monitoring, making it difficult to detect and address undesirable conditions such as ammonia levels, moisture, and pH imbalances in animal enclosures, which can harm animals and affect their health and production.

Innovation Solution

A robotic litter processing system equipped with sensors and automated components that can traverse and process litter autonomously, using auger shafts to accumulate, spread, and mix litter, while dispensing treatment agents based on real-time data from moisture, pH, temperature, and ammonia sensors to maintain optimal conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual litter processing methods are used with human labor and constant monitoring, then the system can detect and address undesirable conditions, but it requires significant human labor and constant site monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of litter processingVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring and treatment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic vehicle autonomously navigates the livestock enclosure, detects litter conditions using onboard sensors, and applies treatment materials without human intervention. The system self-manages the complete litter processing workflow including movement, detection, analysis, and treatment application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical litter processing by workers is replaced with an automated robotic vehicle equipped with sensors, processors, and automated material dispensing systems. The robotic system uses electronic sensing and control mechanisms rather than human physical labor and visual inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If automated sensors and processing components are added to the robotic vehicle, then litter conditions can be monitored in real-time, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of litter condition monitoringVSAvoidnumber of sensors and processing components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic vehicle integrates multiple functions into a single platform: locomotion via tracks, litter condition sensing using various sensors, data processing through onboard processors, and treatment material dispensing. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate systems into one unified vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors litter conditions using sensors and uses the detected data to automatically adjust and apply appropriate treatment materials. The processed litter condition information feeds back to control the dispensing mechanisms, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple auger shafts and processing components are installed on the vehicle, then litter can be effectively accumulated, spread, and mixed, but the vehicle weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of litter processingVSAvoidweight of robotic vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple litter processing functions (accumulation, spreading, mixing) are combined into a single integrated vehicle platform. The front auger shaft for accumulation, rear auger shaft for spreading, and central mixing components work together as a coordinated system rather than separate machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic vehicle uses tracked propulsion systems that provide adaptive traction and weight distribution. The tracks can adjust to varying terrain conditions and litter depths, allowing the vehicle to effectively operate with its processed components without requiring excessive weight for stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables efficient, automated monitoring and treatment of livestock litter, reducing the need for human labor and improving animal health by maintaining optimal litter conditions, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing the risk of harmful conditions.

Implementation Method 1

auger flutes in a spiral formation positioned on the auger shaft forcing the litter to the center of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10399045B2Robotic litter processing system

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 ALTOMARE MIKE

AI summary

A litter processing system is provided implementing one or more robotic vehicles to process livestock litter, detect conditions of the litter with a plurality of sensors, and treat the litter based upon data collected by the sensors. The vehicles may include processors and software that control vehicle tasks. The vehicle's onboard software may be controlled by a server having an instance of the software thereby controlling operation of the vehicles and collecting sensor data from the vehicles via a wireless network.