Under-Press Sweeping Assembly for Automated Hay Droppings Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual collection methods for hay droppings underneath hay presses are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for manual entry, interfering with production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An industrial sweeper mounted underneath a hay press, comprising a frame assembly with a longitudinal support member, motor assembly, drive assembly, and sweeping assembly, which includes a movable sweeping member that transitions between positions to collect hay droppings efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual collection methods are used for hay droppings underneath hay presses, then individuals can collect the hay, but it requires manual entry underneath the press which is dangerous and interferes with production pace
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeping apparatus is designed to be self-operating once positioned. The motor assembly automatically drives the sweeping member back and forth along the support member, collecting hay droppings without requiring continuous manual intervention. The apparatus serves itself by using its own motor power to perform the sweeping function, eliminating the need for operators to manually enter dangerous areas or continuously monitor the collection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sweeping action with an automated motor-driven system. The motor assembly converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, driving the sweeping member through a reciprocating motion powered by a drive assembly with sprocket and chain mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for human physical labor in the hazardous space underneath the hay press.
2Ease of operation
If manual entry underneath the press is required to collect hay droppings, then collection can be performed, but it poses safety risks to individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeping apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the hay droppings and the collection objective. Instead of humans directly entering the hazardous space to collect droppings, the motorized sweeping member acts as an intermediary that performs the collection function remotely. The apparatus is positioned underneath the press but operates autonomously, mediating the dangerous interaction between operators and the hazardous environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus positions and operates itself to perform the hazardous function. Once installed underneath the hay press, the motor assembly automatically drives the sweeping member to collect droppings without requiring human operators to expose themselves to safety risks. The system serves the collection function independently, eliminating the need for manual entry into dangerous areas.
3Productivity
If automated sweeping apparatus is implemented underneath hay press, then production efficiency and safety are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeping apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a frame assembly for structural support, a motor assembly for power generation, a drive assembly with sprocket and chain mechanisms for motion transmission, and a sweeping member for actual hay collection. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized, maintained, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity despite the automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly serves multiple functions: it generates mechanical power, drives the sweeping member through reciprocating motion, and can be positioned at different locations along the support member. The drive assembly with sprocket and chain mechanisms provides both motion transmission and positioning capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial sweeping apparatus that is configured to be deployed underneath equipment such as but not limited to hay presses wherein the present invention is operable to provide collection of loose material underneath the equipment. The industrial sweeping apparatus includes a longitudinal support member that is positioned above the ground underneath the equipment. A motor and a drive assembly are operably coupled to the longitudinal support member wherein the drive assembly extends the length of the longitudinal support member. A sweeping assembly is movably coupled to the longitudinal support member wherein the sweeping assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is perpendicularly oriented with the first portion and extends outward therefrom extending away from the longitudinal support member. A sweeping member is operably coupled to the second portion and is configured to engage loose material as the sweeping assembly traverses the longitudinal support member.