Rotating Flexible-Strip Feed Bunk Cleaner for Livestock Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanized feed bunk cleaners are inefficient and unreliable in large commercial feedlots, requiring manual cleaning methods that are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An implement attached to skid steer vehicles or front loader tractors, featuring a rotating shaft with baler belt sections having a tread pattern, which strikes and flings debris from feed bunks, utilizing a self-contained drive motor with adjustable speed for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning methods (hand shovels, brooms) are used, then cleaning can be performed with simple equipment, but cleaning is very time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning (shovels, brooms) with a mechanized system using a rotating shaft with flexible strips that automatically strike and fling debris from the feed bunk, significantly reducing labor time and intensity while maintaining equipment simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system operates autonomously once positioned, with the rotating shaft and flexible strips automatically performing the cleaning action without continuous manual intervention, allowing one person to clean multiple feed bunks efficiently
2Extent of automation
If existing mechanized feed bunk cleaners (auger assemblies, rotating brush assemblies) are used, then cleaning automation is achieved, but these cleaners are unable to efficiently and reliably clean feed bunks in large commercial feedlots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible strips (such as belting material) attached to the rotating shaft that can adapt to the feed bunk surface and effectively strike and fling various types of debris, providing reliable and efficient cleaning performance that rigid brush assemblies cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shaft system allows adjustment of rotation speed and strip configuration to optimize cleaning performance for different debris conditions, enhancing both efficiency and reliability across varying operational scenarios
3Extent of automation
If existing mechanized feed bunk cleaners are used, then some automation is provided, but cleaning remains difficult and discourages timely and regular cleaning with limited labor resources
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components (frame, rotating shaft, flexible strips, drive mechanism) that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and maintained, improving ease of operation and encouraging regular use with limited labor resources
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 implement efficiently and reliably removes debris from feed bunks, reducing manual labor and improving cleaning efficiency, with robust construction and long operating life.
Implementation Method 1
a transverse shaft rotatably supported by bearing assemblies on the frame and extending laterally beyond one side of the vehicle... a drive motor for rotatably driving the shaft... strips of flexible material connected to an outer end portion of the shaft... free ends of the strips strike and fling debris from the feed bunk during rotation
Implementation Method 2
belt sections that have a tread pattern on a leading surface of the belt relative to a direction of rotation of the shaft to help remove particles and liquids from feed bunks
Data Source
AI summary
An implement for cleaning debris from feed bunks has a frame adapted to be coupled to a vehicle, a transverse shaft rotatably supported by bearing assemblies on the frame and extending laterally beyond one side of the vehicle, a drive motor for rotatably driving the shaft, and a plurality of strips of flexible material connected to an outer end portion of the shaft. The strips of flexible material can be baler belt sections arranged with a tread pattern on a leading surface to help pick up debris and liquid from feed bunks during operation. The strips of flexible material are attached to mounting surfaces on diametrically opposed sides of the shaft and arranged so that free ends of the strips strike and fling debris from the feed bunk during rotation. The drive motor has an adjustable rotation speed to accommodate differing amounts and conditions of debris in the feed bunk.