One-Piece Welded Frame for Farrowing Pen Piglet Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piglet slip devices integrated into bay side walls face challenges such as high mechanical loads leading to instability, complex installation processes, and increased effort in group subsidiary systems where multiple bays require separate devices.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece framework designed as a welding group provides a stable and compact piglet slip device. The framework includes a door element that can be positioned to open or close a passage for piglets, enhancing stability and simplifying installation by reducing the number of parts and facilitating assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If piglet hatching devices are integrated into pen side walls, then piglets can access common group living area, but side walls are exposed to high mechanical stress affecting stability
Solution Approach 1:
The piglet hatching device is segmented from the pen side wall structure. Instead of integrating the hatch directly into the side wall, the patent uses a separate frame structure that can be attached to or positioned near the side wall, allowing the side wall to remain structurally independent and stable while still providing piglet access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A frame structure acts as an intermediary between the piglet hatching device and the pen side wall. This frame serves as a mediator that bears the mechanical loads and stresses, protecting the side wall from direct stress exposure while enabling the hatching function to be performed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate piglet hatching devices are installed in each farrowing pen, then each pen has independent piglet access, but installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure with piglet hatching device is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can be used across multiple farrowing pens. The same basic design and components can be replicated and installed in different locations, reducing overall installation costs through standardization and economies of scale.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pen-side-specific functions are merged into a single frame structure that can serve one or more pens. The frame integrates the hatching mechanism, structural support, and attachment features into one unified assembly, reducing the total number of separate components and installation steps required.
3Ease of operation
If multiple parts are used in piglet hatching device, then device functionality is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional parts into an integrated frame structure. The frame combines structural support elements, hatching mechanism components, and attachment features into a single welded assembly, reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining all necessary functionalities for piglet access and device operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (2), in particular a piglet hatching device (2), for at least one farrowing pen (100). According to the invention, it is proposed that the arrangement (2) has a one-piece frame (8), which is in particular designed as a welded assembly, wherein the frame (8) is configured to stabilize a farrowing pen (100) connected to the arrangement (2).