Hydraulic Squeeze Chute Power Collection System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing livestock squeeze chutes require a 220-volt power source, limiting their use to areas with access to electricity and restricting their portability.

Innovation Solution

A 12-volt hydraulic squeeze chute system that utilizes a power collection system to store energy and an air collection system to operate the chute's functions, eliminating the need for external electricity and allowing for remote operation via a wireless controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a 220-volt power source is used to operate the squeeze chute, then the chute can provide sufficient power for hydraulic operations, but the chute is restricted to locations with electrical access and requires heavy generators or hookups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidlocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical-hydraulic system with a pneumatic system using compressed air. The air compressor and storage tanks provide the necessary power for chute operations without requiring electrical connections, enabling deployment in remote locations without sacrificing operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electrical power dependency from the system by using a self-contained compressed air system. The air compressor and storage tanks form an independent power source that can be transported and deployed without external electrical infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If a 220-volt hookup or generator is required, then adequate power can be supplied, but the chute loses portability and cannot be easily moved to remote areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses compressed air (pneumatics) instead of electrical-hydraulic systems. The pneumatic system with storage tanks provides sufficient power for heavy-duty chute operations while being more portable and not requiring external power sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-compresses and stores air in storage tanks before operation. This preliminary action allows the system to operate autonomously without needing external power sources during deployment, enhancing portability while maintaining power supply capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables the operation of a livestock squeeze chute in remote areas without the need for external power sources, enhancing portability and reducing dependence on electrical hookups or generators.

Implementation Method 1

an air collection system to assist in operation of the gates and functions of the chute

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air storage: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250169468A1Hydraulic operated squeeze chute

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 LARAMORE AUSTIN

AI summary

A remote operating squeeze chute includes a frame having one or more gates and side members configured to move in a manner to allow animals to enter into and out of the frame. The side members help secure or squeeze the animals when within the frame. A control unit is included to allow an operator to regulate the functions of the chute. A power collection system and air collection system are included. The power collection system permits power to be collected and stored remotely for operation of the chute in rural areas.