A new type of chicken feeding trough for scientific research

Abstract

This disclosure provides a novel research-grade chicken feeder, comprising: a feeder body for accommodating feed and providing feeding space; a retractable partition for dividing the internal space of the feeder body; sliding tracks fixed to both sides of the inner wall of the feeder body for guiding the linear movement of the retractable partition; a locking mechanism installed on the side wall of the feeder body for fixing the position of the retractable partition; a feed inlet located at the top of the feeder body for connecting to an external feed supply source for feed input; and support legs fixed to the bottom of the feeder body. The retractable partition comprises multiple nested segments, wherein the multiple nested segments slide relative to each other to change the length of the retractable partition, wherein the end of the retractable partition is provided with a positioning rack, and the locking mechanism is provided with a pawl. The solution of this disclosure allows for adjustment of the feeder capacity to meet the growth needs of chickens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of agricultural engineering technology, specifically to a novel chicken feeder for scientific research. Background Technology

[0002] A new type of chicken feeder for scientific research is a device designed specifically for scientific research to precisely control the feed intake of chickens to support experimental needs. However, the device faces a key problem: how to adjust the feeder capacity to adapt to the changing feed intake needs of chickens as they grow from chicks to adults. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a novel chicken feeder for scientific research, which at least partially solves the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] This application discloses a novel chicken feeder for scientific research, comprising:

[0005] The feeding trough itself is used to hold feed and provide feeding space;

[0006] Retractable partitions are used to divide the internal space of the feeding trough body;

[0007] Sliding rails, fixed to both sides of the inner wall of the trough body, are used to guide the linear movement of the retractable partition;

[0008] A locking mechanism is installed on the side wall of the feeding trough body to fix the position of the retractable partition;

[0009] The feed inlet is located at the top of the trough body and is used to connect to an external feed supply source to input feed;

[0010] Support legs are fixed to the bottom of the feeding trough body; wherein,

[0011] The retractable partition includes multiple nested segments, wherein the multiple nested segments slide against each other to change the length of the retractable partition, wherein the end of the retractable partition is provided with a positioning rack, and the locking mechanism is provided with a pawl, wherein the locking mechanism engages with the positioning rack.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the nested segments are made of stainless steel, and a wear-resistant coating is provided between adjacent nested segments to reduce friction.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the sliding track includes a pair of parallel guide rails, the surfaces of which are provided with lubrication grooves to facilitate smooth movement.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes a manual release lever, which is mounted on the outside of the side wall of the trough body.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the pawl of the locking mechanism is spring-loaded within the manual release lever, causing it to engage with the positioning rack.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the support leg includes an adjusting screw and a threaded sleeve, the threaded sleeve being connected to the trough body, and the adjusting screw being threaded through and connected to the threaded sleeve.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the bottom of the feeding trough body has a U-shaped structure and the inner wall is smooth to reduce feed residue.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the retractable partition is provided with connecting plates on both sides, and the connecting plates are slidable within a sliding track.

[0019] This disclosure provides a novel research-grade chicken feeder, comprising: a feeder body for accommodating feed and providing feeding space; a retractable partition for dividing the internal space of the feeder body; sliding tracks fixed to both sides of the inner wall of the feeder body for guiding the linear movement of the retractable partition; a locking mechanism installed on the side wall of the feeder body for fixing the position of the retractable partition; a feed inlet located at the top of the feeder body for connecting to an external feed supply source for feed input; and support legs fixed to the bottom of the feeder body. The retractable partition comprises multiple nested segments, wherein the multiple nested segments slide relative to each other to change the length of the retractable partition. The end of the retractable partition is provided with a positioning rack, and the locking mechanism has a pawl that engages with the positioning rack. This disclosure provides a solution for adjusting the feeder capacity to meet the growth needs of chickens. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel scientific research chicken feeder described in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a novel scientific research chicken feeder described in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This utility model describes a novel scientific research chicken feeder. Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This utility model describes a novel scientific research chicken feeder. Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the manual release lever in a novel scientific research chicken feeder described in this utility model.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Feed trough body; 2. Telescopic partition; 2a. Nested segment; 2b. Positioning rack; 3. Sliding rail; 4. Locking mechanism; 4a. Pawl; 5. Feed inlet; 6. Support leg; 7. Wear-resistant coating; 8. Guide rail; 9. Lubrication groove; 10. Manual release lever; 11. Spring; 12. Adjusting screw; 13. Screw sleeve; 14. Connecting plate Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrative implementation methods and descriptions of the embodiments of this disclosure are only used to explain the embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a novel chicken feeder for scientific research in this application includes a feeder body 1, a retractable partition 2, a sliding track 3, a locking mechanism 4, a feed inlet 5, and support legs 6.

[0029] The feed trough body 1, serving as the foundation of the overall structure, is used to hold feed and provide feeding space for chickens. It is typically installed in the center of the entire device, and its internal space is designed as a long, narrow, or rectangular trough for easy feed distribution and chicken access. This body is made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or engineering plastics, and is formed into a sealed trough through welding or bolting. Technically, the trough walls and bottom plate can be manufactured using stamping processes to ensure sufficient strength and hygiene. For example, in research environments, 304 stainless steel plates can be welded into a single structure to resist feed corrosion and facilitate cleaning.

[0030] The retractable partition 2 is used to divide the internal space of the feeding trough body 1. It is installed inside the feeding trough body 1 and its structure includes multiple nested segments 2a. These segments slide against each other to change their length, thereby adjusting the extension range of the partition. In terms of technical implementation, the nested segments 2a adopt a tubular design similar to a telescope. For example, the inner and outer segments are nested against each other by precision guide rails 8, and a low-friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene coating is used to reduce sliding resistance. A positioning rack 2b is provided at the end of the partition. The rack engages with the locking mechanism 4 to ensure that the partition can be accurately fixed in position after movement.

[0031] Sliding rails 3 are fixed to both sides of the inner wall of the trough body 1 to guide the linear movement of the retractable partition 2. Their installation position ensures that the rails are parallel to the length direction of the trough body 1. The rails are made of rigid materials such as aluminum alloy or hard plastic and are structurally designed as grooves or guide rails 8, into which segments of the retractable partition 2 slide. Technically, the rails can be fixed to the inner wall of the trough body 1 by bolts or adhesive, for example, using a T-groove guide rail system with embedded ball bearings to reduce friction and ensure smooth and stable movement of the partition.

[0032] The locking mechanism 4 is installed on the side wall of the feeding trough body 1 to fix the position of the retractable partition 2. It consists of a pawl 4a component (see details). Figure 3 The pawl 4a engages with the positioning rack 2b at the end of the retractable partition 2. In terms of connection, the locking mechanism 4 is mounted on the outer side wall via a rotating shaft or button mechanism for easy operation. Technically, the pawl 4a uses a spring-loaded design (11). For example, manually pressing the button drives the pawl 4a to engage in the tooth groove of the rack to achieve locking; when adjustment is needed, pressing the release button unlocks it, allowing the partition to move freely. This mechanism is commonly used in linear positioning systems in industrial applications, ensuring a fast and reliable adjustment process.

[0033] Feed inlet 5 is located at the top of the feed trough body 1 and is used to connect to an external feed supply source for feed input. Its installation position is located at the center of the top of the trough or in a designated area to ensure uniform feed distribution. This inlet structure is typically funnel-shaped or tubular, and can be equipped with a sealing ring or quick-connect fitting. Technically, it uses a threaded interface or snap-fit ​​design to connect to external feed pipes. For example, the inlet is made of PVC or metal and integrates a filter to prevent clogging, facilitating feed delivery via automated systems in research environments.

[0034] Support legs 6 are fixed to the bottom of the feed trough body 1 to support the entire feed trough structure and maintain stability. Their installation positions are distributed at the four corners of the bottom or evenly distributed along the length. The support legs 6 can be designed to be height-adjustable, for example, using a telescopic or threaded lifting mechanism. Technically, the support legs 6 are fixed to the bottom of the feed trough body 1 by welding or bolting. The legs are made of galvanized steel or composite materials. The height adjustment mechanism may include a handwheel or knob to facilitate leveling under different ground conditions, ensuring the feed trough is stably placed in a laboratory or farm.

[0035] This feature effectively solves the technical problem of adjusting the feed trough capacity to meet the growth needs of chickens through the adjustment mechanism of the retractable partition 2. Specifically, the multiple nested segments 2a of the retractable partition 2 can move linearly along the sliding track 3, changing the partition length to divide the internal space of the feed trough body 1, thereby adjusting the capacity of the feeding area; the locking mechanism 4, through the engagement of the pawl 4a and the positioning rack 2b, firmly fixes the partition position after adjustment, ensuring stable capacity. For example, in scientific research experiments, chickens have different feed requirements from chicks to adults. Operators can easily slide the partition to reduce the space to accommodate small amounts of feeding for chicks, or expand the space to accommodate large amounts of feeding for adults; this dynamic adjustment avoids the insufficient capacity or waste of traditional fixed feed troughs, improving feed utilization and experimental accuracy. The overall design, combining the sliding track 3 and the locking mechanism 4, achieves rapid and reliable capacity adjustment, meeting the refined needs of monitoring chicken growth in scientific research.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the nested segments 2a of the novel research chicken feeder of this application are made of stainless steel to improve the corrosion resistance and mechanical strength of the overall structure. Specifically, these nested segments 2a achieve length adjustment of the telescopic partition 2 through mutual sliding. The use of stainless steel ensures that it is not easily deformed or rusted during frequent telescopic operations, meeting the long-term use requirements in a research environment.

[0037] Furthermore, a wear-resistant coating 7 is provided on the contact surfaces between adjacent nested segments 2a to reduce frictional resistance during sliding. This wear-resistant coating 7 is applied directly to the mutual sliding areas of the segments, such as between the outer wall of the inner segment and the inner wall of the outer segment, forming a uniform covering layer. This arrangement avoids direct metal-to-metal contact between segments, thereby reducing wear and improving sliding smoothness.

[0038] For example, the wear-resistant coating 7 can be applied to the sliding surface of the nested segment 2a by spraying or dipping, for example, by using polytetrafluoroethylene material to form a thin layer, ensuring that the coating is firmly bonded to the stainless steel substrate, and verifying its friction performance by sliding test after assembly.

[0039] The sliding track 3 is configured to include a pair of parallel guide rails 8, which are fixedly installed on both sides of the inner wall of the feeding trough body 1 to form a continuous linear guide path, thereby supporting the precise movement of the retractable partition 2. The parallel arrangement of the guide rails 8 ensures that the partition remains stably aligned during extension and retraction, avoiding misalignment or jamming, which is crucial for precise control of feeding zones in a research environment. The surface of the guide rails 8 is further provided with lubrication grooves 9, which are grooves extending along the length of the guide rails 8 to accommodate lubricants, such as lubricating oil or solid grease, to effectively reduce the coefficient of friction. The uniform distribution of the lubrication grooves 9 optimizes the lubrication effect, making the partition slide more smoothly on the track, reducing operating resistance, and improving overall mechanical durability.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the sliding track 3 of a novel scientific research chicken feeder of this application can be realized by fixing a pair of metal guide rails 8 on both sides of the inner wall of the feeder body 1, for example by bolt fastening or welding to the body structure; specifically, the surface of the guide rail 8 is machined with longitudinal lubrication grooves 9, for example by milling or stamping to form grooves of uniform depth, for periodically injecting lubricating oil, thereby providing continuous lubrication support when the sliding is interrupted.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the locking mechanism 4 of a novel research chicken feeder of this application further includes a manual release lever 10, which is installed on the external side wall of the feeder body 1. This external installation method allows for direct access by the operator, enabling manual operation without disassembling the feeder body 1, thereby increasing user intervention capability on top of the conventional locking function. Specifically, the manual release lever 10, as a component of the locking mechanism 4, is mechanically linked to the internal pawl 4a assembly, ensuring that the locking state can be directly affected during external operation.

[0042] The manual release lever 10 comprises a lever-shaped body and a connecting end. The lever-shaped body extends to the outside of the feed trough body 1, forming a handle portion for easy gripping, while the connecting end is coupled to the pawl 4a inside the locking mechanism 4 via a shaft or connecting rod penetrating the side wall. This connection form allows for linear or rotational motion transmission, depending on the lever's design orientation. For example, the lever can be designed as a pivoting or sliding type to ensure that the operating force is effectively transmitted to the pawl 4a assembly, achieving engagement or release actions.

[0043] For example, the manual release lever 10 is made of metal rod, one end of which is fixed to the outside of the side wall of the feed trough body 1 by a pivot shaft, and the other end protrudes as a handle; the connecting end is hinged to the pawl 4a by an internal connecting rod. When the operator pulls the handle, the connecting rod drives the pawl 4a to rotate and disengage from the positioning rack 2b, thereby releasing the fixation of the telescopic partition 2.

[0044] The locking mechanism 4 is fixedly installed on the side wall of the feeding trough body 1 and includes a pawl 4a component. The pawl 4a is designed to engage with the positioning rack 2b at the end of the retractable partition 2 to fix the position of the partition. Specifically, the engagement of the pawl 4a is achieved by a manual release lever 10, which is integrated into the operating unit of the locking mechanism 4 and contains a spring 11 element. The spring 11 acts directly on the pawl 4a, applying a continuous loading force to keep the pawl 4a in a tightly engaged state with the positioning rack 2b under normal conditions, thereby preventing accidental slippage of the retractable partition 2.

[0045] In the structure of the locking mechanism 4, the manual release lever 10 is mounted on the housing of the locking mechanism 4 via a pivot connection, allowing the user to operate it manually. The spring 11 is located in the internal cavity of the manual release lever 10, with one end fixed to the base of the pawl 4a and the other end anchored to the inner wall of the manual release lever 10. This connection ensures that the spring 11 can linearly transmit the load force to the pawl 4a, maintaining engagement stability. When the user operates the manual release lever 10, for example by pulling or rotating, the spring 11 is compressed or stretched, temporarily disengaging the pawl 4a from the positioning rack 2b, facilitating adjustment of the partition position.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the locking mechanism 4 of a novel scientific research chicken feeder of this application designs the manual release lever 10 as a rotatable lever structure, and its internal spring 11 is in the form of a compression spring 11. Specifically, one end of the spring 11 is welded to the back of the pawl 4a, and the other end is fixed to the inner wall near the rotation axis of the manual release lever 10. When the user rotates the manual release lever 10, the compression force of the spring 11 decreases, the pawl 4a disengages from the positioning rack 2b, and after being released, the spring 11 automatically resets, pushing the pawl 4a to re-engage the rack, thereby realizing a quick locking and unlocking operation.

[0047] The support leg 6 is designed to provide height adjustability to adapt to different ground conditions or experimental needs. Specifically, the support leg 6 includes an adjusting screw 12 and a sleeve 13, wherein the sleeve 13 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the feed trough body 1, and the adjusting screw 12 passes through the sleeve 13 and is connected to it by a threaded engagement. This threaded connection allows the adjusting screw 12 to rotate within the sleeve 13, thereby achieving a linear change in the length of the support leg 6 and thus adjusting the overall height of the feed trough body 1. For example, the sleeve 13 can be directly welded or bolted to the bottom surface of the feed trough body 1 to ensure stable support; the adjusting screw 12, as a rotatable component, forms a reversible mechanical adjustment mechanism through its external thread engaging with the internal thread of the sleeve 13.

[0048] Specifically, the adjusting screw 12 is typically made of metal to enhance durability, while the sleeve 13 is designed as a cylindrical structure to accommodate the screw's screwing-in and screwing-out movements. Specifically, the sleeve 13 is installed at the center or symmetrically distributed points at the bottom of the feed trough body 1 to balance the load; the lower end of the adjusting screw 12 can be equipped with a non-slip base for easy manual rotation without additional tools. With this structure, users can easily rotate the adjusting screw 12, allowing it to move up and down within the sleeve 13, thereby precisely controlling the ground clearance of the feed trough body 1 to meet the specific requirements of feed delivery or flock behavior observation in scientific research experiments.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the support leg 6 of a novel scientific research chicken feeder of this application is implemented by integrally forming a screw sleeve 13 on the bottom plate of the feeder body 1. After the adjusting screw 12 is screwed into the screw sleeve 13, the screw is driven to rise and fall by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby adjusting the height of the feeder to adapt to the uneven ground of the laboratory.

[0050] The bottom of the feed trough body 1 features a U-shaped profile design. This structure is formed by the continuous downward curvature of the sidewalls of the feed trough body 1, without sharp transition areas, to optimize the feed flow path. The U-shaped bottom is integrally molded with the overall structure of the feed trough body 1, ensuring a seamless connection between the bottom and the sidewalls and preventing feed from accumulating in corners. This design facilitates even feed distribution by reducing dead corners and improving the central feed collection effect.

[0051] The inner wall surface of the feed trough body 1 undergoes a refined treatment to achieve a high degree of smoothness. Specifically, the inner wall material is made of a low-friction metal or polymer substrate, and the surface finish is enhanced through polishing or coating processes. The smooth inner wall, in conjunction with the U-shaped bottom, minimizes the adhesion resistance of feed particles, thereby reducing residue. Furthermore, the smoothing treatment of the inner wall covers the entire internal surface of the feed trough body 1, including the bottom area, ensuring smooth feed sliding.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the bottom of the feed trough body 1 of the novel scientific research chicken feed trough of this application is formed into a U-shaped structure by stamping process, wherein the inner wall is made of stainless steel substrate and coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. The coating is formed into a uniform and smooth surface by spray curing process, thereby effectively reducing feed residue.

[0053] Connecting plates 14 are installed on both sides of the retractable partition 2. These connecting plates 14, as key connecting components, are directly fixed to the lateral ends of the partition to provide a stable sliding guide interface. The connecting plates 14 are typically rectangular or L-shaped plate structures made of wear-resistant materials such as stainless steel or engineering plastics. They are installed by bolting or welding to securely connect to the partition body, ensuring no displacement during movement. The specific dimensions and shape of the connecting plates 14 are adapted to the internal contour of the sliding track 3 to achieve a precise fit.

[0054] The interaction between the connecting plate 14 and the sliding track 3 creates a sliding mechanism. The sliding track 3 is fixed to both sides of the inner wall of the trough body 1 and has a guide groove or recess structure inside, into which the connecting plate 14 is embedded, allowing linear reciprocating sliding along the track axis. This design ensures that the telescopic partition 2 maintains smooth movement when adjusting its length, avoiding jamming or vibration. The sliding path of the connecting plate 14 is aligned with the length of the sliding track 3, covering the partitioning requirements of the trough body 1, thereby achieving flexible adjustment of the partition position.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the retractable partition 2 of the novel scientific research chicken feeder of this application is equipped with connecting plates 14 on both sides. For example, the connecting plates 14 are embedded in the U-shaped groove of the sliding track 3 by means of buckles or sliding grooves. Specifically, the bottom of the connecting plates 14 is provided with rollers or low friction coating to reduce frictional resistance and allow it to slide smoothly in the track to adjust the partition length.

[0056] In actual operation, when this device is used, it is first connected to an external feed supply source through the feed inlet 5 to input feed into the internal space of the feed trough body 1. Then, according to the needs of scientific research experiments, the operator manually slides the telescopic partition 2 linearly under the guidance of the sliding track 3. The multiple nested segments 2a of the telescopic partition 2 slide against each other to change their length, thereby separating the internal space of the feed trough body 1. When the telescopic partition 2 is adjusted to the required position, the pawl 4a of the locking mechanism 4 engages with the positioning rack 2b at the end of the telescopic partition 2 to fix its position. The support leg 6 provides stable support, keeping the feed trough body 1 at an appropriate height, which facilitates the chickens to feed in the separated space.

[0057] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A novel chicken feeder for scientific research, characterized in that, include: The trough body (1) is used to hold feed and provide feeding space; A retractable partition (2) is used to separate the internal space of the feeding trough body (1); The sliding track (3) is fixed to both sides of the inner wall of the trough body (1) and is used to guide the linear movement of the retractable partition (2); A locking mechanism (4) is installed on the side wall of the feeding trough body (1) to fix the position of the retractable partition (2); Feed inlet (5) is located on the top of the trough body (1) and is used to connect to an external feed supply source to input feed; Support legs (6) are fixed to the bottom of the feeding trough body (1); wherein, The retractable partition (2) includes multiple nested segments (2a), wherein the multiple nested segments (2a) slide against each other to change the length of the retractable partition (2), wherein the end of the retractable partition (2) is provided with a positioning rack (2b), and the locking mechanism (4) is provided with a pawl (4a), and the locking mechanism (4) engages with the positioning rack (2b).

2. The novel chicken feeder for scientific research as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The nested segments (2a) are made of stainless steel, and a wear-resistant coating (7) is provided between adjacent nested segments (2a) to reduce friction.

3. The novel chicken feeder for scientific research as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding track (3) includes a pair of parallel guide rails (8), and the surface of the guide rails (8) is provided with lubrication grooves (9) to facilitate smooth movement.

4. The novel chicken feeder for scientific research as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism also includes a manual release lever (10), which is installed on the outside of the side wall of the feeding trough body (1).

5. A novel chicken feeder for scientific research as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The pawl (4a) of the locking mechanism (4) is loaded by a spring (11) inside the manual release lever (10) so that it engages with the positioning rack (2b).

6. A novel chicken feeder for scientific research as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The support leg (6) includes an adjusting screw (12) and a screw sleeve (13). The screw sleeve (13) is connected to the feed trough body (1), and the adjusting screw (12) passes through and is threadedly connected to the screw sleeve (13).

7. A novel chicken feeder for scientific research as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the feeding trough body (1) has a U-shaped structure and a smooth inner wall to reduce feed residue.

8. A novel chicken feeder for scientific research as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The retractable partition (2) has connecting plates (14) on both sides, and the connecting plates (14) can slide within the sliding track (3).

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