Yoke Feed Panel Locking Mechanism for Cattle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing yoke feed panels require frequent maintenance and repair, and their locking mechanisms are not robust enough to ensure reliable operation over a long period, which can lead to stress in animals and decreased milk yield due to the need for relocation during inspection or treatment.
Innovation Solution
A yoke feed panel design featuring a locking arrangement with two latch arrangements that move between locked and unlocked conditions, using an elongate operating member with projections engaging tracks on the latch arrangements, allowing for automatic locking and unlocking of all yoke arrangements with a single handle, and incorporating retaining means to maintain the locked or unlocked state, ensuring reliable operation with minimal maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking arrangement is provided in the yoke feed panel, then animal stress is reduced by allowing inspection in a familiar environment, but the device complexity increases due to the need for reliable locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms into a single integrated system where a single operating member controls two latch arrangements simultaneously. This merging reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate locking systems for each yoke arrangement while still providing reliable locking to reduce animal stress during inspection and treatment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides automatic locking when an animal enters the yoke, enables manual operation for controlled locking and unlocking, and maintains the locked state throughout the inspection process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while effectively addressing animal stress concerns.
2Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism is used to ensure reliable operation over a long period, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with self-latching features where the latch arrangements automatically engage with the engagement part when the operating member is moved to the locked position. The ramps on the latch arrangements work with the engagement part geometry to automatically maintain the locked state without requiring additional active components or complex control systems, thereby achieving high reliability through simple, self-sustaining mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into modular components: two separate latch arrangements, each with its own ramps and engagement features, that can be manufactured independently and assembled into the final mechanism. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts while achieving reliable overall operation through the coordinated action of the segmented components.
3Reliability
If two latch arrangements are used to improve reliability, then the locking mechanism becomes more robust, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two latch arrangements are merged into a single operating system where one operating member simultaneously controls both latches. The latches are positioned and dimensioned so that they engage with a common engagement part on the operating member, creating a unified locking system that achieves enhanced reliability without the complexity of two independent control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The two latch arrangements are designed with asymmetric positioning and ramp orientations relative to the engagement part. This asymmetry allows the latches to engage sequentially or simultaneously depending on the direction of operation, providing robust locking while simplifying the overall structure by eliminating the need for symmetric, redundant components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A yoke feed panel with a plurality of yoke arrangements (10) interconnected in a line. Each arrangement (10) defines an open rectangular space (14). A restraining member (30) is provided extending generally vertically across the space (14). A locking arrangement (38,40) is provided for retaining a cow in a position with its neck extending through the space (14), and in a locked condition of the panel the restraining member (30) will automatially engage in a locked position when moved thereto by the neck of a cow extending through the space (14).