Rotating Animal Enclosure Barrier with External Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal enclosures with circular or semicircular walls and moveable barriers often require operators to enter the enclosure or lean over the perimeter to manually rotate barriers, posing safety risks and slowing down animal flow, as the barriers may not rotate continuously in a 360-degree motion, necessitating frequent direction changes and costly pneumatic or hydraulic systems for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
An animal enclosure design featuring two moveable barriers that are separately rotatable about a common vertical axis, with an actuation mechanism allowing external operation, utilizing mechanical or non-mechanical means such as pulleys, chains, or pneumatic systems to enable continuous 360-degree rotation without the operator needing to enter the enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually rotates the moveable barrier from inside the enclosure or by leaning over the perimeter, then the barrier can be positioned to control animal flow, but the operator safety is compromised and the animal flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operator from the dangerous position inside or at the perimeter of the enclosure by providing an actuation mechanism located outside the enclosure. The operator can now rotate the moveable barrier remotely without physical proximity to the animals, eliminating safety risks while maintaining full control over barrier positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary actuation mechanism (comprising pulleys, chains, and external operating handles) that mediates between the operator and the moveable barrier. This intermediary system transmits the operator's rotational input through the enclosure wall via pulleys and chains, allowing barrier control from a safe external position.
2Productivity
If the moveable barrier is designed to rotate in discrete directions only, then the structure is simpler, but the animal flow continuity is interrupted requiring frequent direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous 360-degree rotational capability for the moveable barrier, transforming it from a static or discretely-rotating structure to a dynamically adjustable one. The barrier can now rotate smoothly through any angle along its entire circumference, allowing it to continuously follow and guide animal flow without interruption or the need to reverse directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous operation of the moveable barrier by enabling uninterrupted 360-degree rotation. The barrier can maintain its rotational motion in the direction of animal flow without stopping or reversing, providing continuous guidance and maintaining constant animal movement through the enclosure.
3Productivity
If motorized systems are used to enable continuous barrier rotation, then the animal flow continuity is maintained, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive motorized systems with a simple, low-cost mechanical actuation mechanism using basic components such as pulleys, chains, and manually-operated handles. This cost-effective solution achieves the same functional outcome of continuous barrier rotation without the high manufacturing and maintenance costs associated with motors and electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex motorized mechanical systems with a simpler manual actuation system. By using externally-operated pulleys and chains, the invention eliminates the need for expensive motors, electrical wiring, and control systems while maintaining the capability for continuous 360-degree barrier rotation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An animal enclosure (10) having a partly circular wall or fence (12), at least one barrier (36) located within the enclosure (10), the at least one barrier (36) being rotatable about a vertical axis (26), and actuation means for causing rotation of at least one of the at least one barrier (36), the actuation means being manually operable by an operator, the actuation means including a part or a portion (40) located externally of the enclosure (10) to thereby allow an operator to move the at least one barrier (36) from a location that is external to the enclosure (10). The actuation means includes a handle (40) extending externally of the enclosure (10) and a ratchet wheel operatively connected to the barrier (36).