Open Source Ecology - User contributions [en]

Spader

2014-11-28T10:38:55Z

Juanlba: /* See Also */

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=Overview=

[[Image:Spader.png|right|400px|Spader]]

The spader is set of mechanical shovels that prepare soil for planting without causing a hardpan typical of rototiller tilling. Also called a "rotary spader".

{{Video}}

==Details==
Agricultural Spader - This is the most advanced, but least affordable, method of soil preparation for planting. The spader is the mechanized equivalent of several digging shovels. It is operated by the power take off (PTO) behind a tractor. It operates like a rototiller, but with reciprocating spades. It is a superior method of soil preparation for planting - because, unlike a rototiller, it leaves better soil structure without creating a hardpan underneath the tilling layer. Moreover, the spader is capable of deeper tilling. This is the state of art in soil preparation, but few farmers are privy to it because of high cost - $5k for used machines. Our version will be driven by tractor hydraulics, eliminating costly gearing. The fabrication is not straightforward like a rototiller, as the spader spades ride on cams that are offset from a rotating axle. Effective fabrication strategy must be developed. Overall, this would help improve farmers' efficiency. The spader (and rototiller) are a one step soil preparation method - unlike plowing - which is typically followed by multiple disking or disking and harrowing.

They do not leave a "hardpan" due to the somewhat random action of the spades. Spaders are very expensive in north America as they are all made in Italy/Holland etc. (see links below). Inventing an open source spader would be a great achievment. They are a one pass type of implement, allowing easy working in of cover crops into the soil. Towing the spader behind LifeTrac would be easy as spaders are not a real load on the tractor/machine. All that is needed is a slow hydrostatic drive, but we have that covered.

==Research==
*The embedded video, showing a Celli spader with "shovels", is from a University of Vermont DVD (available [http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Videos/covercropvideo.html here]).

*[http://www.ferrari-tractors.com/products/spader.htm Spader setup and operation] - note 3rd pic down: it's the soil "pulverizer" after the spades. Spades dig first, "pulverizer" breaks up the clods and makes seed bed. Imants use a roller with curved tines instead. Does it all in one operation. Looks almost exactly like your tines on soil pulverizer.

*[http://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/?go=getArticle&dataId=47243 "Product Review: Spaders - These must-have machines help preserve soil structure"]. At the bottom of that page a reader suggests Imants spaders from Holland: "Imants produces a spader that achieves the same results based on a different mechanical approach". The Imants use circular "arms". They supposedly will leave a hardpan like a tiller (eventually). I'm sure they run smoother/longer though.

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycadZjZ1Vnw Good spader video], shows the Imants final roller with tines. He discusses the mechanism up close.

* Another [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgXUQVjtIm8 Imant in action].

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==Product Ecology==
'''Uses'''
*{{Furnace}} - Steel
*{{Torch Table}} - Structure

'''Works with'''
*{{Lifetrac}} - Mounting
*{{PowerCube}} - Power

[[Image:5b-agricultureeco.png|thumb|600px|Spader [[Product Ecology]]]]

See [[Product Ecologies]] for more information.

=See Also=
*[[Steam Weeder]]
*[[Agrokuh]]
*[http://anubisseguridad.blogspot.com/p/pictogramas-de-seguridad.html Pictogramas]
*[http://www.ferrari-tractors.com/spade_article.htm Spader History]

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Universal Rotor

2014-11-17T12:07:13Z

Juanlba: /* See Also */

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=Overview=

[[Image:UniversalRotor.png|thumb|400px|Universal Rotor]]

The Universal Rotor(UR) is a standardized triple interface mount that allows for various tasks(work) to be accomplished by harnessing the high rotational torque and speeds generated by a [[hydraulic motor]](or electric motor, etc). This is a fundamental component for any GVCS machine that uses a motor. It provides modularity, redundancy, scalability and represents a significant cost reduction by being able to use only one motor to power many machines. Examples are: Attaching the wheels to [[Lifetrac]] and powering them; a mower, auger or slurry mixer for [[Lifetrac]]; the saw blades on the [[Saw Mill]]

=Details=

This triple interface that allows the UR to harness motor power has 3 interfaces which each have 2 sides to it. The following are the three interfaces with the 2 sides of each interface in parenthesis:

1) Anchor Interface: (Receiver & Attachment)

Is the stationary side of the interface and serves to 'anchor' the UR to a solid object. This is done by connecting/inserting the Attachment on the UR to the Receiver on the solid object.

-Allows the shaft(tool) to be mounted at multiple angles in relation to the machine. This makes the UR useful for vertical shaft applications like an earth auger or mower and horizontal shaft applications like a wheel trencher or wheel drive that powers the [[LifeTrac]]. This can be accomplished with a single square tube which is rotated 90 degrees and reattached.

-Another axis of rotation can be accomplished by adding multiple tubes to either the receiver side of the interface at angles to the primary one. It could also be accomplished by using an angle adapter tube.

2) Power Interface: (Motor & Mounting Plate)

Mounts the motor to the mounting plate which is part of the UR's structure. In addition to how the motor attaches, this interface also considers the space that various motors would need and ensures that the rest of the UR structure nor the machine it is attached to doesn't interfere with the space need for motors. Additionally, space for motor removal and the connection and protection of hydraulic lines needs consideration. There are four common motor mount styles: Face, Wheel Motor(body) Tail, Base. The focus of the UR will be face and wheel motor mounting for hydraulic motors. For face mounting the UR will utilize SAE hydraulic motor mounting dimensions since the GVCS [[hydraulic motor]] will likely adopt these and SAE motors are currently being used by OSE and readily available. Wheel Motor Mounting dimensions are less standardized. In either case by starting with one of the largest SAE face mounting patterns, adapter plates can be bolted to that pattern to accommodate smaller face mount and wheel motors.

3)Tool Interface: (shaft connection & tool connection)

Connects the rotating shaft of the motor to the tool to be rotated. There might be adapters for different applications. For example a tire rim on the [[LifeTrac]] might bolt to the same mount as an 8' diameter wheel trencher. But that might be to large mount for an auger or a 16” cold saw blade. The primary mount needs to be sufficient to handle the forces for all applications, and then smaller adapter mount attached to it. The primary mount should be as compact as possible but still quickly attachable, perfectly concentric and have zero slop. If a wheel style mount is used, there are two types, hub concentric(w/flat lug nuts) and stud centric(with tapered/cone lug nuts)

1,2&3) All three interfaces must individually be:

-Scalable in thickness or dimension for applications with higher forces

The Universal Rotor as a whole must be:

-Withstand extreme radial, axial and twisting(in relation to the motor shaft) generated by all the applications for which it will be used for.

-Light as possible to be managed by hand

-Compact

Other Considerations:

1) Accomodating for gearing and multiple motors

Because there may be a limit to the amount of power or speed that available motors produce, gearing or the use of multiple motors may be needed when the tool requires more power or speed. For gearing with a single motor this can be accomplished by breaking the direct connection between the motor shaft and the tool and routing the power flow thru a gear reduction (chain & sprockets) first. Or additional motors could be added by keeping a direct connection between the tool and motor but mounting a 2nd motor and connecting its shaft to the shaft of the primary motor via chain. However, if the speed and power of the motor is suitable for the application it is best to have a straight connection to the tool.

Decisions:

1) Wheel Motors(bearings built in) or Jack Shaft(with auxiliary bearing support structure)?

Due to the wide range of applications, the UR needs to handle high axial and radial forces. Wheel motors have larger bearings then standard hydraulic motors to resist these much higher forces. Wheel motors are available commercially that will handle the radial and axial loads of all current GVCS applications. However wheel motors are low speed. High speed motors don't usually have such large bearings. While generally you don't need large bearings while doing high speed operations, an accident, such as hitting a tree stump with a high speed mower blade may damage a motor with smaller bearings. Adding a separate shaft(jack shaft) that is supported by separate bearings between the motor shaft and tool effectively isolates the motor shaft and bearings from any radial forces, as well as axial forces if properly designed. This is the design currently being used on LifeTrac III and the MultiAuger. The current design on the LifeTrac is excessive in length and has some proven and suspected issues. A much shorter and simpler jack shaft setup should be possible that is more comparable to a wheel motor in size. If a jack shaft setup is chosen as the primary UR setup, it should be designed so that only wheel motor can be used instead with minimal variation(or none) for replicators who choose to do so.

The current quick connect wheel assembly with the jack shaft and auxilary bearings was a necessary component when the LifeTrac was powered by the original weaker drive motors. However during the redesign, new [[15,000 Inch Pound Motor]]s were purchased which are actually wheel motors that have a much higher carrying capicity which means the whole jack shaft assembly might not even be necessary as the motor is designed to handle up to 11,000 of radial load per the specs provided by the manufacturer. It has already been proposed by Marcin that the wheel connect be redesigned to address several issues, but in reality, it can actually be completely ommited without having to purchase additional motors.

Comparison:

Wheel Motor UR Advantages:

-Much more compact, lightweight, cheaper and very quick to build

-Sealed & lubricated bearings

-Industry Proven

-Less parts to break or wear out

Auxiliary Bearing UR Advantages:

-Can remove the motor with out disconnecting the tool(or the tire when used as wheel drive)

-More motor choices (especially rpm)

-Can use a gear reduction or multiple motors much easier

2) Tapered or Roller Bearings?

If a jack shaft with auxiliary bearings are to be used, will it use tapered bearings to resist axial thrust or just thrust washers? Thrust washers are not good, especially if the tool is hanging, being pushed on(ie. Auger) or anything with constant side loading. The only reason not to use tapered bearings is because they are harder to make and mount out of raw steel and if a suitable off-the-shelf setup might not be found in the mean time They also require preloading of the two opposed tapered bearings against each other by means of a threaded shaft or a press fit. One source might be preassembled “4x4 truck hubs” as found on ebay. A tapered bearing solution will almost always be more compact and robust.

Before spending much time on one particular design, it will help to imagine that design being used in each of the applications that the UR is to be used in.

Applications with the LifeTrac for the UR:

Other GVCS machines with UR applications:

=Product Ecology=

[[Image:Multiauger.jpg|400px|thumb|Auger Attachment]]

'''Uses'''
*{{Furnace}} - Steel
*{{Torch Table}} - Parts
*{{Tractor}} - Mounting
*{{PowerCube}} - Power
*{{Hydraulic Motor}} - Power

'''Mounts'''
*[http://blog.opensourceecology.org/?p=2170 String Trimmer],
*Tree Planting auger,
*[http://blog.opensourceecology.org/?p=1408 Lathe],
*[http://blog.opensourceecology.org/?p=2037 drill press],
*soil line cutting rotor,
*[http://blog.opensourceecology.org/?p=2091 honey extractor].
*[[Trencher]]

=Status=
The '''Universal Rotor''' is currently in the [[Universal Rotor/Research Development|prototyping phase of product development]].

The hydraulic motor is interchangeable, and so far, a 32 cu in and a 6 cu in motors have been used which have a quick mounting plate with 2 3/4" bolts for hold-down. The assembly can be mounted either horizontally or vertically by bolting to a back plate accordingly.

Future prototype designs aim to improve structural integrity, increased ease of mounting for LifeTrac, and improved interchangeability of motors.

Actions are logged in [[Universal Rotor Log]].

=Videos=

{{Video}}

=See Also=
*[http://blog.opensourceecology.org/?p=1304 Blog Post]
*[http://openpario.mime.oregonstate.edu/projects/unirotor/ CAD]
*[http://mycommunity.theiet.org/profile/545a40fc2336d Institution of Engineering and Technology]

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Dairy Milker

2014-07-03T10:23:24Z

Juanlba: /* See Also */

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[[Category:Dairy Milker]]

==Overview==

[[Image:MilkingMachine.png|thumb|400px|Dairy Milker]]
[[Image:Cow.jpg|thumb|400px|Moo]]

The Dairy Milker yields [[milk]] and [[dairy]] products from dairy [[cows]].

The pulsator can use [[Solenoid Driver]]

==Detailed Description==

The dairy milker is comprised of 4 teatcups that attach onto the teats of the dairy cow. These teatcups connect via short milk tubes and short pulsation tubes to a claw (connection component that links the teatcups to the rest of the dairy milker). The claw is connected via a long milk tube and a long pulsation tube to the milkline (collection bucket), from which the collected milk is transported via airflow and pump to a bulk tank (central storage vat). The dairy milker yields milk from the teats of a cow by applying a continuous vacuum, thereby creating a pressure difference across the teat canal. Because the vacuum causes teat tissue congestion (problematic accumulation of blood and other fluids), air is pulsated to the teatcup liners at pre-determined intervals to ease tissue congestion.

==Solution Statement==

The agricultural pathway for dairy products necessitate the production of milk, for which the dairy milker provides an automated means to do so.

==Product Ecology==

'''Made with'''
*{{Furnace}} - Steel
*{{Welder}}
*{{Torch}}

'''To be used in conjunction with:'''
*Cow - Milk
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasteurization#Pasteurization_of_milk Pasteurizer] (To increase shelf life and reduce the number of viable pathogens-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasteurization Wikipedia page])

'''Creates'''
*[[Dairy]]
*[[Milk]]
*[[Cheese]]
*Butter
*Keifer
*Yogurt
*Ghee

The dairy milker fulfills the role of producing milk from cows through automation.

[[Image:5b-agricultureeco.png|border|600px|Agriculture]]

==Components==

The major components of the dairy milker include:

*'''Claw''' - the intermediary part that connects the short milk and pulsation tubes from the teatcups to the long milk and pulsation tubes going to the collection bucket.
*'''Teatcups''' - the direct contact parts that gently clasp onto the teats of a dairy cow so that the applied vacuum yields milk.
*'''Collection Bucket''' - The minor receiver of extracted milk that connects to the bulk tank.
*'''Bulk Tank''' - The major receiver of extracted milk that can connect to multiple collection buckets.
*'''Pump and Airflow Circuit''' - the set of parts that create a pressure difference between the collection bucket and the bulk tank, thereby channelling extracted milk from the collection bucket to the bulk tank.
*'''Vacuum and Pulsation Circuit''' - the set of parts that produce the vacuum and air pulsation intervals for milk extraction and teat tissue relief, respectively.

=Status=
The Dairy Milker is currently in the [[Dairy_Milker/Research_Development|research phase]].

=Videos=

{{Video}}

=See Also=

*[[Animals]]
*[[Dairy]]
*[[Ruminants]]

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk Wikipedia: Milk]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dairy Wikipedia: Dairy]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milking_machines#Milking_machines Wikipedia: Milking Machines]
*[http://www.milkacademy.com/index_en.php3 Milk Academy]
*[http://20seoveinte.wordpress.com Seoveinte]

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