Rotary Livestock Head Splitter with Automated Cleaning Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing livestock head splitting apparatuses lack efficient and automated processes for simultaneously handling multiple heads through loading, splitting, and discharge stations, often requiring manual operation and inadequate cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A rotary head splitting apparatus with a vertical shaft and circumferentially positioned head trays, equipped with hydraulic actuation and a computerized control system, allows for automated movement through loading, splitting, and discharge stations, and includes a cleaning mode for effective fluid spraying during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotary head splitting apparatus is used to simultaneously handle multiple heads, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple independent head trays (at least three) positioned circumferentially around the vertical shaft, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple heads while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical shaft serves multiple functions: it supports the head trays, provides rotational movement for all trays simultaneously, and coordinates the splitting operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each tray, thereby controlling device complexity while improving productivity
2Ease of operation
If automated head splitting operation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to automatically perform the splitting operation once heads are positioned on the trays. The system self-regulates through the rotational movement of the shaft and the automatic positioning mechanism, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining high automation level
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic elements such as the rotatable vertical shaft and movable head trays that automatically adjust positions during operation. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring complex static control mechanisms
3Reliability
If cleaning mode is added to the apparatus, then reliability is improved through contamination prevention, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates a cleaning mode that can be periodically activated alongside the head splitting operation. The cleaning mechanism operates in periodic cycles, spraying cleaning agents during designated phases while maintaining the rotational movement of trays. This periodic action ensures contamination prevention without requiring a completely separate cleaning system
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing rotational mechanism and tray system. The same vertical shaft and head trays that perform splitting also facilitate cleaning by rotating trays through cleaning zones, eliminating the need for separate cleaning apparatus and reducing overall device complexity
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 apparatus enables efficient, automated splitting and discharge of multiple livestock heads while ensuring thorough cleaning of the system, maximizing exposure to cleaning fluids and reducing manual intervention and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a head splitting actuation system operable in cooperation with the head trays and the head splitting blades under rotation of the shaft to drive each head tray and the respective head splitting blade relatively toward one another
Implementation Method 2
an enclosure closing around the shaft and the loading, head-splitting and discharge stations disposed circumferentially around the shaft, the enclosure comprising at least one access opening through which fluid can be sprayed to clean an interior of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A livestock head splitting apparatus of a rotary type rotates a plurality of head trays and respective blades sequentially through loading, head-splitting and discharge stations spaced around the shaft, and in a head splitting mode, drives each head tray and blade relatively toward one another in the head splitting station. In a unique cleaning mode, the trays and blades are instead kept apart throughout the rotation to maximize the exposure of each tray to a spray of cleaning fluid directed into the apparatus. A computerized control system cooperates with an electric motor to drive the rotation and give a degree of user-control over operational aspects of the motor, such as the running speed of the apparatus in the cleaning and head splitting modes and a jogging speed of the apparatus used to index the head trays to desirable locations.