Pressure Sensor Mat for Targeted Animal Hoof Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for treating animal hooves are inefficient, costly, and pose health and environmental risks due to the need for frequent cleaning and refilling of chemical baths, which leads to ineffective treatments and potential pollution, and do not allow for precise application of chemicals to specific anatomical regions or varying conditions within a dairy herd.
Innovation Solution
A simplified hoof treatment system with a mat structure that activates spray nozzles based on pressure sensors, using a triple moisture prevention configuration and software logic to compensate for sensor failures, allowing for precise application of chemicals to specific hooves and regions, reducing chemical usage and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional chemical baths are used for treating animal hooves, then treatment coverage is achieved, but chemical usage is excessive and environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment system into discrete spray nozzles positioned at specific locations on the mat, each targeting specific hoof regions. This segmentation allows chemical application only where needed on specific animals, replacing the traditional approach of immersing all animals in a chemical bath that requires excessive chemicals and frequent refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies chemicals locally to specific anatomical regions of hooves through targeted spray nozzles, rather than applying chemicals uniformly to all animals. The controller directs chemical application only to animals that require treatment and only to the specific regions needing treatment, significantly reducing overall chemical usage and environmental impact.
2Ease of operation
If traditional footbath systems are used, then treatment is provided to all animals, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mat system automatically detects when an animal's hoof contacts the mat through pressure-activated switches and self-initiates the chemical application process without requiring manual intervention. The system manages its own operation, controlling spray nozzle activation and chemical flow based on sensor input, thereby simplifying operator tasks and reducing maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical immersion system of traditional footbaths with an automated electro-mechanical system using pressure-activated switches and electronically controlled spray nozzles. This substitution reduces manual maintenance tasks associated with filling and cleaning large chemical baths while providing more precise and efficient chemical application.
3Measurement precision
If chemical baths are used for treatment, then all animals receive treatment, but treatment precision to specific anatomical regions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies chemicals locally to specific anatomical regions of hooves through targeted spray nozzles, rather than applying chemicals uniformly to all animals. The controller directs chemical application only to animals that require treatment and only to the specific regions needing treatment, significantly reducing overall chemical usage and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure-activated switches to detect when and where an animal's hoof contacts the mat, providing feedback to the controller. The controller then activates specific spray nozzles based on this feedback, ensuring precise chemical application only to the contacted regions. This feedback mechanism enables precise treatment while minimizing chemical usage.
4Productivity
If frequent cleaning and refilling of chemical baths is performed, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mat system automatically detects when an animal's hoof contacts the mat through pressure-activated switches and self-initiates the chemical application process without requiring manual intervention. The system manages its own operation, controlling spray nozzle activation and chemical flow based on sensor input, thereby simplifying operator tasks and reducing maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous chemical treatment capability as animals pass through the mat, with spray nozzles activated on-demand based on sensor detection. This eliminates the need to stop treatment operations for batch refilling of chemical baths, maintaining continuous productive action while reducing maintenance time and labor requirements.
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 achieves a 70%-90% reduction in chemical usage, is more efficient than traditional footbath systems, and effectively treats specific hoof conditions while minimizing environmental impact and health risks, with a significant reduction in costs and pollution.
Implementation Method 1
A first pressure-activated switch is embedded in a first compressible material disposed at a first location on the mat. A second pressure-activated switch is embedded in a second compressible material disposed at a second location on the mat.
Implementation Method 2
A first pressure-activated switch is embedded in a first compressible material disposed at a first location on the mat
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates spraying logic onto a sensor mat to detect and apply various liquids onto the feet of an animal. Each sensor in the sensor mat actuates at least one predetermined spray nozzle application of the medicinal fluid. The system is designed so that each hoof triggers at least two sensors, with each sensor activating at least one spray nozzle. All of the electronic components are located away from the mat and a controller control spraying and timing. Stop bars prevent the mat from compressing beyond a predetermined distance to prevent sensor failure. The sensors have a triple moisture prevention configuration.