Directional control system for industrial aquaculture batch feeder and operation method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of aquaculture equipment, and discloses an industrial aquaculture batch feeder directional control system and an operation method. The system comprises a batch feeder body, a reversing valve assembly, a segmented batch feeding pipe set, an intelligent control unit and an auxiliary monitoring unit, and accurate directional batch feeding of different areas in a culture pond is achieved through cooperative work of multiple modules. The multi-functional mode of segmented feeding, one-driving-two feeding and the like is supported, the method is suitable for multiple breeding scenes of factories, higher-place ponds, small sheds, outer ponds and the like, the feed quantity control error is smaller than or equal to 5%, and the maintenance period is larger than or equal to 12 months; and meanwhile, a manual-automatic dual-purpose control mode is integrated, and a remote management function is combined, so that the accuracy, the intelligent level and the operation flexibility of culture feeding are remarkably improved, the technical defects of insufficient quantity control accuracy, single function, rigid operation, high maintenance cost and the like of existing equipment are overcome, and powerful support is provided for intensive development of aquaculture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aquaculture equipment technology, specifically to a directional control system and operating method for a factory-scale aquaculture feeding machine. Background Technology

[0002] As the aquaculture industry rapidly develops towards intensification, precision, and intelligence, factory farming and high-density, high-level pond farming are becoming increasingly popular, placing higher demands on the performance of feeding equipment. Ideal feeding equipment needs precise feed quantity control, flexible directional feeding capabilities, adaptability to multiple scenarios, and convenient operation and management modes to meet the differentiated needs of different farming stages and regions, improve feed utilization, reduce farming costs, and minimize water pollution.

[0003] However, existing aquaculture feeding equipment still has many technical shortcomings and is difficult to meet actual aquaculture needs:

[0004] Insufficient precision in feed quantity and directional control: Traditional feeders mostly adopt a "single outlet + centrifugal diffusion" feeding method, and the feed delivery range depends on centrifugal force, which cannot target different areas in the aquaculture pond such as the concentrated area of ​​fry and the growth area of ​​adult fish. Feed quantity control is mostly based on fixed-time feeding, without combining multiple parameters such as valve core opening, conveying speed, and feed particle size for coordinated adjustment. This results in a difference of more than 30% in the amount of feed in different areas of the same aquaculture pond, causing problems such as uneven feeding of fry, differentiated growth rate of adult fish, and feed waste, while also increasing the risk of water pollution.

[0005] Limited functionality and poor adaptability to multiple scenarios: Existing equipment is mostly limited to integrated feeding and does not have the function of segmented feeding (feeding different particle sizes of feed to different areas in the same breeding pond) or one-to-two feeding (one device feeds two independent breeding ponds); most equipment is only suitable for a single breeding scenario, such as only suitable for outdoor pond breeding, and cannot meet the differentiated needs of scenarios such as factory high-density ponds (compact space, clear zoning) and small shed breeding (enclosed environment, small feeding area), resulting in poor equipment versatility.

[0006] Inflexible operating modes and low management efficiency: Existing equipment mostly adopts a single control mode of pure automatic or pure manual operation. The pure automatic mode cannot cope with emergencies such as temporary feeding or insufficient feed in local areas; the pure manual mode requires manual operation throughout the process, which is inefficient and the feed quantity control error exceeds 20%. In addition, most equipment lacks remote control and data recording functions, and farmers need to be on-site to operate the equipment. It is impossible to monitor the feeding status in real time, and it is also difficult to optimize the feeding strategy through historical data, resulting in high management costs.

[0007] Insufficient component durability and high maintenance costs: Most components of existing equipment, such as nozzles and branch pipes, are fixed structures and cannot be flexibly replaced according to feed particle size, resulting in poor adaptability; the wear resistance of core components such as reversing valves and screws is insufficient. In high-density farming and high-frequency feeding scenarios (4-6 times a day), the wear rate of valve cores exceeds 0.1mm / month, and the screw is prone to feed adhesion and jamming problems. The equipment maintenance cycle is less than 3 months, requiring frequent replacement of parts, which makes maintenance difficult and costly.

[0008] Lack of comprehensive monitoring and feedback mechanisms: Existing equipment does not integrate functions such as water quality monitoring and real-time feedback on feeding status. It is impossible to dynamically adjust feeding parameters according to changes in water quality (such as dissolved oxygen and pH value) and fish feeding behavior, resulting in rigid feeding strategies that are difficult to adapt to dynamic changes in the aquaculture environment and further affecting aquaculture efficiency.

[0009] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, there is an urgent need to develop a directional control system and operating method for factory-style aquaculture feeders that features precise quantity control, directional feeding, multi-functional modes, multi-scenario adaptability, flexible operation, convenient maintenance, and comprehensive monitoring capabilities. This will promote the technological upgrading of aquaculture equipment and contribute to the intensive and intelligent development of the aquaculture industry. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a directional control system and operating method for a factory-scale aquaculture feeder, solving the technical problems of existing feeder equipment such as insufficient control accuracy, limited functionality, rigid operation, high maintenance costs, and lack of comprehensive monitoring, and achieving the following technical objectives:

[0011] It enables precise and targeted feeding in different areas of the aquaculture pond, with a feed quantity control error of ≤5%, meeting the differentiated feeding needs of fish at different stages of aquaculture.

[0012] It supports multiple functional modes such as segmented feeding and one-to-two feeding, and is suitable for various aquaculture scenarios such as factory farming, high-level ponds, small sheds, and outdoor ponds, thus improving the equipment's versatility.

[0013] It integrates manual and automatic dual-use control modes, combining local touch operation and remote APP control, taking into account both normal automatic feeding and manual replenishment needs in case of emergencies, thus improving operational flexibility.

[0014] Optimize the structure and materials of core components to extend the equipment maintenance cycle to more than 12 months and reduce maintenance costs;

[0015] It integrates multi-dimensional monitoring functions such as feed quantity, water quality, and feeding status, and establishes a dynamic feedback and adjustment mechanism to achieve intelligent feeding management.

[0016] This invention provides the following technical solution: a directional control system for a factory-scale aquaculture feeder, comprising a feeder body, a reversing valve assembly, segmented feed pipe groups, an intelligent control unit, and an auxiliary monitoring unit; the feeder body includes at least two independently sealed storage compartments, a screw feeding mechanism, and a drive unit, the output end of which is connected to the main feed pipe; the reversing valve assembly is connected to the main feed pipe and includes a valve body, a reversing valve core, a manual control module, an automatic control module, and a manual-automatic switching mechanism, the reversing valve core being drivenly connected to both the manual and automatic control modules, and the valve body having at least two discharge ports; the segmented feed pipe group includes segmented branch pipes corresponding to each discharge port, branch pipe control valves, and detachable feed nozzles; the intelligent control unit is electrically connected to the automatic control module, the drive unit, the branch pipe control valves, and the auxiliary monitoring unit, supporting automatic / manual mode switching and remote data interaction; the auxiliary monitoring unit includes a material level sensor, a water quality sensor, and a feeding status monitoring component.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the storage compartment is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, at least two capacitive level sensors are installed in the compartment to detect high and low levels respectively, a conical guide structure is provided at the bottom of the compartment with a cone angle of 50°-70°, the compartment is made of 304 stainless steel with a thickness of 1.2-2.0mm, and the volume of a single compartment is 50-80L.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the screw surface of the spiral feeding mechanism is sequentially plated with a hard chrome coating and a ceramic coating, with a total coating thickness of 0.08-0.12mm, a screw diameter of 70-90mm, a screw pitch of 40-60mm, and the gap between the screw and the barrel is controlled at 0.5-0.8mm. The inner wall of the barrel is polished, with a roughness Ra≤0.8μm.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the manual control module of the reversing valve assembly includes a hand-tightening knob, a transmission gear set, and a dial. The knob rotation angle of 0-90° corresponds to a valve core stroke of 0-20mm, and the transmission ratio of the transmission gear set is 1:3-1:6. The automatic control module includes an electric actuator and a magnetostrictive stroke sensor. The measurement accuracy of the stroke sensor is ±0.05mm, and the response time of the electric actuator is ≤0.5s.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the manual-automatic switching mechanism is a two-position four-way mechanical lever switch with a switching stroke of ≤2mm. The contacts are made of silver-nickel alloy material with wear resistance of ≥100,000 times. When switching to manual mode, the automatic control module is de-energized, and when switching to automatic mode, the transmission connection between the manual control module and the reversing valve core is disconnected.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the segmented branch pipe is made of PVC-U material with a nominal pressure of 0.8-1.2MPa. An electromagnetic ball valve is installed in the middle section of the branch pipe as the branch pipe control valve. The response time of the electromagnetic ball valve is ≤0.3s, the working pressure is 0.1-1.0MPa, and the length scale is printed on the surface of the branch pipe at intervals of 0.8-1.5m.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feeding nozzle has a threaded connection structure and is available in three aperture sizes: 1.0mm, 2.5mm, and 4.0mm. The nozzle outlet is equipped with a 25°-35° guide plate. The nozzle material is ABS engineering plastic with an impact resistance ≥15kJ / m². 2 The material feeding coverage area is ≥0.5m. 2 / Sprayer head.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent control unit includes an STM32F103C8T6 main control chip, a TFT touch screen, an ESP8266 WiFi module, and a data storage module; the TFT touch screen has a resolution of ≥320×240 and supports parameter setting and status display; the WiFi module supports the IEEE 802.11b / g / n protocol, has a communication distance of ≤50m, and can be connected to a breeding management APP or IoT platform; the data storage module has a feeding data storage time of ≥1 year.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water quality sensors of the auxiliary monitoring unit include a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, and a water temperature sensor, with measurement accuracies of ±0.1 mg / L, ±0.05 pH, and ±0.1℃, respectively; the feeding status monitoring component includes a flow sensor and an image acquisition module. The flow sensor is installed on the main feeding pipe and has a measurement accuracy of ≥0.5% FS. The image acquisition module is used to monitor feed diffusion and fish feeding in real time.

[0025] The operation method based on the directional control system of the feeder in factory farming includes the following steps:

[0026] Step 1: System assembly and parameter initialization. Select the appropriate feeding nozzle specifications according to the needs of the aquaculture scenario, complete the mechanical connection and circuit connection of each module, and input the aquaculture pond zoning information, feed parameters and basic feeding parameters through the intelligent control unit.

[0027] Step 2: Mode selection. Select automatic feeding mode, manual feeding mode, segmented feeding mode, or one-to-two feeding mode through the intelligent control unit or remote terminal.

[0028] Step 3: Feeding execution. The intelligent control unit controls the reversing valve assembly to switch the discharge interface according to the selected mode, and adjusts the speed of the drive unit and the on / off state of the branch pipe control valve to achieve precise directional feeding.

[0029] Step 4: Status monitoring and data recording. The auxiliary monitoring unit collects data on material level, water quality and feeding status in real time. The intelligent control unit triggers an alarm for abnormal data and records information such as feeding time, material quantity and area.

[0030] Step 5: System maintenance. Regularly clean and inspect the feeding nozzles, reversing valve cores, and pipelines. Calibrate sensor and actuator parameters through the intelligent control unit.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0032] (1) Significantly improved precision feeding level: Through the closed-loop control of the reversing valve assembly, the precise speed adjustment of the screw feeding mechanism and the real-time feedback of the auxiliary monitoring unit, the feed quantity control error is ≤5%, which solves the problem of uneven feeding in traditional equipment; the multi-specification nozzles and independent control of the segmented feeding pipe group realize the directional feeding of feed of different regions and different particle sizes, meet the differentiated needs of fish at different growth stages, and improve feed utilization rate by 15%-20%.

[0033] (2) Multifunctional and highly adaptable to multiple scenarios: It supports multiple modes such as segmented feeding and one-to-two feeding. It can be flexibly adjusted according to the type of aquaculture pond (factory, high-level pond, small shed, outdoor pond), aquaculture species, and aquaculture density. One device can be adapted to multiple aquaculture scenarios, with strong versatility, reducing the investment cost of aquaculture equipment.

[0034] (3) Flexible operation and high level of intelligence: It integrates manual and automatic dual-use control modes to take into account both normal automatic feeding and manual feeding needs in case of emergencies; it supports local touch operation and remote APP control, so that farmers can complete feeding management without on-site duty; the data recording and analysis function provides data support for the optimization of feeding strategies and reduces management costs.

[0035] (4) Optimization of equipment durability and ease of maintenance: The core components adopt wear-resistant coatings and high-quality materials, reducing valve core wear rate by 80%, screw adhesion rate ≤0.5%, and extending equipment maintenance cycle to more than 12 months; the nozzle, sealing ring and other components adopt detachable structure, replacement time ≤5min, significantly reducing maintenance difficulty and cost.

[0036] (5) Excellent comprehensive monitoring and dynamic adjustment capabilities: It integrates multi-dimensional monitoring functions such as feed quantity, water quality, and feeding status, and establishes a dynamic feedback adjustment mechanism. It can adjust feeding parameters in real time according to changes in water quality and fish feeding conditions, avoid water quality deterioration and feed waste, provide a suitable environment for fish growth, and increase the survival rate of aquaculture by 10%-15%.

[0037] In summary, this invention effectively solves the technical defects of existing feeding equipment, provides a reliable technical solution for the intensive, precise, and intelligent development of aquaculture, and has broad application prospects and promotional value. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the directional control system for the factory-scale aquaculture feeding machine of this invention;

[0039] Figure 2 : Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the reversing valve assembly;

[0040] Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the reversing valve assembly;

[0041] Figure 4 Hardware connection diagram of the intelligent control unit;

[0042] Figure 5 : Flowchart of the operation method of the present invention.

[0043] In the diagram: 1. Valve body; 2. Reversing valve core; 3. Manual control module; 4. Automatic control module; 5. Manual-automatic switching lever; 6. Feeding interface; 7. Discharge interface a; 8. Discharge interface b; 9. Feeding channel; 10. Valve core annular sealing groove; 11. Discharge channel a; 12. Discharge channel b; 13. Nitrile rubber sealing ring; 14. Feeder body; 15. Material storage compartment; 16. Screw feeding mechanism; 17. Feeding main pipe; 18. Reversing valve Components; 19, segmented branch pipe a; 20, segmented branch pipe b; 21, feeding nozzle; 22, intelligent control unit; 23, auxiliary monitoring unit; 24, drive unit; 25, branch pipe control valve; 26, material level sensor; 27, water quality sensor; 28, image acquisition module; 29, flow sensor; 30, main control module; 31, input / output module; 32, display module; 33, wireless communication module; 34, data storage module; 35, power supply module.

[0044] The above figures are only used to illustrate the structural principles of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the present invention. The proportions of each component in the figures can be adjusted according to actual production conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] The purpose of this invention is to provide a directional control system and operating method for a factory-scale aquaculture feeder, solving the technical problems of existing feeder equipment such as insufficient control accuracy, limited functionality, rigid operation, high maintenance costs, and lack of comprehensive monitoring, and achieving the following technical objectives:

[0047] It enables precise and targeted feeding in different areas of the aquaculture pond, with a feed quantity control error of ≤5%, meeting the differentiated feeding needs of fish at different stages of aquaculture.

[0048] It supports multiple functional modes such as segmented feeding and one-to-two feeding, and is suitable for various aquaculture scenarios such as factory farming, high-level ponds, small sheds, and outdoor ponds, thus improving the equipment's versatility.

[0049] It integrates manual and automatic dual-use control modes, combining local touch operation and remote APP control, taking into account both normal automatic feeding and manual replenishment needs in case of emergencies, thus improving operational flexibility.

[0050] Optimize the structure and materials of core components to extend the equipment maintenance cycle to more than 12 months and reduce maintenance costs;

[0051] It integrates multi-dimensional monitoring functions such as feed quantity, water quality, and feeding status, and establishes a dynamic feedback and adjustment mechanism to achieve intelligent feeding management.

[0052] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a directional control system for a factory-scale livestock feeder includes a feeder body 14, a reversing valve assembly 18, a segmented feeder pipe assembly, an intelligent control unit 22, and an auxiliary monitoring unit 23. These modules work together to form a complete directional feeder control system.

[0053] The main body 14 of the feeder is the core component for feed storage and initial conveying, undertaking functions such as feed storage, anti-adhesion, and quantitative conveying. Its specific structure is as follows:

[0054] Storage Compartment 15: Made of 304 stainless steel, 1.5mm thick, with an overall volume of 120-160L, it is divided into two independent sealed compartments, each with a volume of 50-80L, capable of storing feed of different particle sizes to meet segmented feeding needs. The top of each compartment features a flip-top feed inlet with a diameter of 180-220mm, equipped with a sealing ring to ensure airtightness. The bottom of each compartment features a conical guide structure with a cone angle of 50°-70°, preferably 60°, to prevent feed residue and accumulation. The inner wall of the compartment is coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating with a thickness of 0.08-0.12mm, reducing feed adhesion rate by ≤0.5%, minimizing feed waste and residual contamination.

[0055] At least two capacitive level sensors 26, model LJC18A3-BZ / BX, are installed in each compartment to detect "high level" (85%-95% of the compartment volume) and "low level" (5%-15% of the compartment volume), respectively. The sensor signals are transmitted to the intelligent control unit 22 in real time. When the level is lower than the low level threshold, the control unit triggers an audible and visual alarm to remind the farmers to replenish the feed in time. When the level is higher than the high level threshold, feeding is prohibited to prevent feed spillage.

[0056] The screw feeding mechanism 16, comprising a screw, a barrel, and a discharge port, is a key component for achieving quantitative feed delivery. The screw diameter is 70-90mm, preferably 80mm, with a pitch of 40-60mm, preferably 50mm. The screw surface is sequentially plated with a hard chrome coating (0.04-0.06mm thick) and a ceramic coating (0.04-0.06mm thick), for a total coating thickness of 0.08-0.12mm, significantly improving the screw's wear resistance and extending its service life by more than three times. The barrel is made of 304 stainless steel, with an inner diameter 1.5-2.5mm larger than the screw diameter, ensuring the gap between the screw and the barrel is controlled at 0.5-0.8mm, preventing feed jamming and guaranteeing feeding accuracy. The inner wall of the barrel is polished to a roughness Ra≤0.8μm, reducing feed flow resistance and the risk of adhesion.

[0057] The discharge port is connected to the main feeding pipe 17 via a DN50-DN65 flange. Rubber gaskets with a thickness of 2-4mm are installed between the flanges to ensure sealing performance and prevent feed leakage and moisture ingress.

[0058] Drive unit 24: Employs a 0.55-1.1kW three-phase asynchronous motor with a speed range of 30-120 r / min, supporting stepless adjustment to adapt to different feeding requirements. The motor output shaft is connected to the screw via a flexible coupling equipped with a buffer rubber pad with a Shore hardness of 55A-65A, preferably 60A, reducing operating noise by ≤65dB. Drive unit 24 also features an overload protection module; when the motor load exceeds 120% of the rated load, it automatically cuts off power and sends a fault signal to the intelligent control unit 22 to prevent motor damage.

[0059] The reversing valve assembly 18 is the core component for realizing directional feeding and multi-outlet switching. It supports both manual and automatic control modes to ensure accurate switching of the feeding direction. The specific structure is as follows:

[0060] Valve body 1: Made of cast aluminum, grade ZL108, with a tensile strength ≥250MPa. It has a rectangular structure, 180-220mm long, 130-170mm wide, and 100-140mm high, preferably 200mm long × 150mm wide × 120mm high. Internally, valve body 1 has one inlet channel 9 and two outlet channels a 11 and b 12. The inlet channel 9 has a diameter of 40-60mm, and the outlet channel has a diameter of 30-50mm. The inner walls of the channels are polished to a roughness Ra≤0.8μm to reduce feed flow resistance and residue. Externally, valve body 1 has heat dissipation fins spaced 5-8mm apart to improve heat dissipation and prevent overheating during prolonged operation.

[0061] Reversing valve core 2: Adopts a cylindrical spool valve structure, with a diameter of 45-50mm and a length of 130-170mm, preferably 48mm in diameter and 150mm in length. The valve core surface is sequentially plated with a hard chrome coating and a ceramic coating, with a total thickness of 0.08-0.12mm and a friction coefficient ≤0.1, improving wear resistance and sealing performance. The valve core has 2-3 annular sealing grooves 10, fitted with nitrile rubber sealing rings 13, with a Shore hardness of 65A-75A, preferably 70A, and a sealing pressure ≥1.0MPa, ensuring no feed leakage. The sealing rings have a detachable structure for easy replacement and maintenance.

[0062] Manual control module 3 includes a hand-operated knob, a transmission gear set, and a dial. The hand-operated knob has a knurled structure, a diameter of 45-55mm, preferably 50mm, for easy manual operation. The transmission gear set has a transmission ratio of 1:3-1:6, preferably 1:5. The knob rotation angle of 0-90° corresponds to a valve core stroke of 0-20mm, achieving precise valve core displacement. The dial is marked with positions such as "Closed," "Discharge Interface 1," "Discharge Interface 2," and "Double Open," each position corresponding to a rotation angle of 15°, allowing for intuitive manual judgment of the valve core position and ensuring operational accuracy.

[0063] Automatic control module 4 includes an electric actuator, a magnetostrictive stroke sensor, and a drive circuit. The electric actuator is a DKJ-210 type angular stroke actuator with an output torque of 8-12 N·m, preferably 10 N·m, and a response time ≤0.5s to ensure rapid valve core switching. The magnetostrictive stroke sensor is model MTS RHM0200MD601A01, with a measurement range of 0-20mm and a measurement accuracy of ±0.05mm. It provides real-time feedback of the valve core position signal to the intelligent control unit 22, forming a closed-loop control to ensure valve core positioning accuracy.

[0064] The drive circuit uses PWM speed control to regulate the operating speed and stroke of the electric actuator, adapting to different switching scenarios. The drive circuit is equipped with overcurrent and overvoltage protection modules to prevent component damage caused by voltage fluctuations or abnormal loads.

[0065] Manual-Automatic Switching Mechanism: A two-position four-way mechanical lever switch is used, with a switching stroke ≤2mm, ensuring convenient operation. The switch contacts are made of silver-nickel alloy, with a wear resistance of ≥100,000 cycles, extending service life. When switching to "Manual Mode," the automatic control module 4 is de-energized, and the valve core is driven only by the manual control module 3. When switching to "Automatic Mode," the transmission connection between the manual control module 3 and the reversing valve core 2 is disconnected, and the valve core is driven by the electric actuator. The two modes do not interfere with each other, ensuring control reliability.

[0066] The segmented feeding tube assembly is the actuator for enabling zoned feeding, supporting independent feeding in different areas and adapting to feed particle size. Its specific structure is as follows:

[0067] Segmented branch pipes: Each segment corresponds one-to-one with the discharge port of the reversing valve assembly 18. Each branch pipe is made of PVC-U material, with a nominal pressure of 0.8-1.2MPa, a pipe diameter of DN32-DN40, and a length customized according to the size of the aquaculture pond, ranging from 5-50m. Length markings are printed on the surface of the branch pipes at intervals of 0.8-1.5m, preferably 1.0m, facilitating precise nozzle positioning during installation. The branch pipes are fixed to the edge of the aquaculture pond using a snap-on fixing method via brackets. The bracket height is 0.8-1.2m and adjustable, ensuring the distance between the nozzle outlet and the water surface is 0.5-0.8m, preventing damage to fish fry from the impact of feed falling into the water.

[0068] Branch pipe control valve 25: One solenoid ball valve is installed in the middle section of each branch pipe. The model is Q22HD-25, with a nominal diameter of 20-30mm, working pressure of 0.1-1.0MPa, and a response time ≤0.3s, ensuring rapid on / off control. The solenoid ball valve's coil voltage is DC24V, power ≤5W, and it is compatible with the output interface of the intelligent control unit 22. The valve is equipped with a manual emergency switch; in the event of a power outage or malfunction, the valve can be manually operated to ensure continuous feeding.

[0069] Feeding nozzle 21: Features a detachable threaded connection with G1 / 2-G3 / 4 interfaces for easy and quick replacement. The nozzle is made of ABS engineering plastic with an impact resistance ≥15kJ / m². 2 It has strong weather resistance and adapts to the humid and corrosive conditions of aquaculture environments. The nozzle has three orifice sizes to suit feed of different particle sizes:

[0070] Specification A: 1.0mm aperture, suitable for 0.5-1.0mm juvenile micro-particle feed, flow rate 0.8-1.2L / min;

[0071] Specification B: 2.5mm aperture, suitable for 1.5-2.5mm medium-sized fish pellets, flow rate 2.0-2.5L / min;

[0072] Specification C: 4.0mm aperture, suitable for 3.0-4.0mm adult fish large particle feed, flow rate 3.5-4.0L / min.

[0073] The nozzle outlet is equipped with a guide plate at an angle of 25°-35°, preferably 30°, to ensure the feed is diffused in a fan shape at an angle of 40°-50°, preferably 45°, with a feeding coverage area ≥0.5m² / nozzle, ensuring uniform feed distribution. The nozzle interior features an anti-clogging structure to prevent feed residue buildup and subsequent blockage.

[0074] The intelligent control unit 22 is the core control module of the system, responsible for parameter setting, logic operation, actuator control, data storage and remote communication, and its specific structure is as follows:

[0075] Main control module 30: Utilizing an STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller with a 32-bit ARM core, a 72MHz clock speed, and 64KB of storage, it features rich built-in peripheral interfaces to meet the control needs of multiple modules. The main control module 30 incorporates a feeding control algorithm that automatically calculates the feeding motor speed, valve opening, feeding time, and the on / off status of branch pipe control valve 25 based on parameters such as feeding amount, feed particle size, nozzle specifications, and aquaculture area, achieving precise feeding.

[0076] Input / output module 31 includes 8-16 digital input interfaces, 12-20 digital output interfaces, and 2-4 analog input interfaces. The digital input interfaces are used to detect signals from the level sensor 26, stroke sensor, and water quality sensor 27, etc.; the digital output interfaces are used to control actuators, branch control valves 25, feeding motors, audible and visual alarms, and other actuators; the analog input interfaces are used to detect analog signals such as motor current and feed flow rate. All input and output interfaces are equipped with opto-isolation circuits, providing interference resistance ≥1kV to ensure signal transmission stability.

[0077] Display module 32: Employs a 2.4-3.5 inch TFT LCD screen with a resolution ≥320×240, supporting touch operation. The screen can display the current working mode, feeding amount in each area, valve core position, material level status, water quality parameters, fault information, etc. in real time; equipped with 5-8 touch buttons for mode selection, parameter setting, start / stop operation, etc., making operation convenient and intuitive.

[0078] Wireless communication module 33: Employs an ESP8266 WiFi module, supporting IEEE 802.11b / g / n protocols, with a communication distance ≤50m (indoors) and ≤100m (outdoors without obstructions). The module can connect to a livestock management app, enabling remote parameter setting, feeding record querying, and fault alarm push notifications. It also supports the MQTT protocol, allowing access to a livestock IoT platform for centralized management of multiple devices and data aggregation and analysis. The communication module features data encryption to ensure data transmission security and prevent information leakage.

[0079] Data storage module 34: Employs an SD card or Flash memory chip with a storage capacity of ≥8GB. It can record data such as the time, area, feed quantity, feed particle size, and water quality parameters for each feeding, with a storage time of ≥1 year. Data supports local export and remote upload, facilitating aquaculture personnel to analyze feed conversion rates and optimize feeding strategies.

[0080] Power Module 35: Employs an AC220V to DC24V switching power supply with a power output of 50-100W and an output voltage accuracy of ±2%. It features overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection. Power Module 35 has a built-in backup lithium battery with a capacity of 12V / 5-10Ah, capable of maintaining the operation of the control unit and critical sensors for 30-60 minutes during power outages, ensuring safe device reset and data preservation.

[0081] The auxiliary monitoring unit 23 is used to collect key parameters in the breeding process in real time, providing data support for intelligent feeding and realizing dynamic adjustment, specifically including:

[0082] Material level sensor 26: In addition to the capacitive material level sensor 26 in the storage compartment 15, a flow-type material level sensor 26 can also be installed in the feeding main pipe 17 to monitor the feed conveying flow in real time, feed it back to the intelligent control unit 22, compare it with the preset feeding amount, and dynamically adjust the speed of the feeding motor to ensure the accuracy of material quantity control.

[0083] Water quality sensors 27 include dissolved oxygen, pH, and water temperature sensors, installed in different areas of the aquaculture pond. The dissolved oxygen sensor has a measurement range of 0-20 mg / L and an accuracy of ±0.1 mg / L; the pH sensor has a measurement range of 4.0-10.0 pH and an accuracy of ±0.05 pH; the water temperature sensor has a measurement range of 0-50℃ and an accuracy of ±0.1℃. Data from the water quality sensors 27 is transmitted in real time to the intelligent control unit 22. When water quality parameters exceed preset thresholds, the control unit can automatically adjust the feeding amount or suspend feeding to prevent water quality deterioration from affecting fish growth.

[0084] Feeding status monitoring components include an image acquisition module 28 and an infrared sensor. The image acquisition module 28 uses a waterproof camera, installed above the aquaculture pond, to capture real-time images of feed distribution and fish feeding status. The image data is transmitted to the intelligent control unit 22, where an image recognition algorithm determines the uniformity of feed distribution and the activity level of fish feeding. The infrared sensor is installed below the nozzle to detect the diffusion range and settling speed of feed after it falls into the water, and feeds this data back to the control unit to dynamically adjust the nozzle angle or feeding speed.

[0085] Operating method

[0086] Based on the aforementioned directional control system for the feeder in factory farming, this invention also provides a corresponding operating method, including steps such as system assembly and parameter initialization, mode selection, feeding execution, status monitoring and data recording, and system maintenance, as detailed below:

[0087] Step 1: System Assembly and Parameter Initialization

[0088] Select the appropriate feeding nozzle (specification 21) according to the needs of the aquaculture scenario. Install the nozzle on the segmented branch pipes a 19 and b 20 via threaded connection, ensuring a tight and secure connection. Determine the length of the segmented branch pipes and the nozzle spacing according to the zoning of the aquaculture pond. Fix the branch pipes to the edge of the aquaculture pond using snap-on brackets. Adjust the height of the brackets so that the distance between the nozzle outlet and the water surface is 0.5-0.8m.

[0089] Connect the feed inlet 6 of the reversing valve assembly 18 to the feed main pipe 17 via a flange. Install rubber gaskets between the flanges and tighten with M10-M12 bolts with a torque of 12-18 N·m to ensure a seal. Connect the segmented branch pipes to the discharge inlets a7 of the reversing valve assembly 18 one by one, using threaded connections and wrapping with raw material tape for sealing to prevent feed leakage.

[0090] Install the main body 14 of the feeder on the preset support. The bottom of the support is fixed with expansion bolts, and the top of the support is placed with shock-absorbing rubber pads to reduce vibration during equipment operation. Add feed of the corresponding particle size into the storage compartment 15 until it is below the "high material level", then close the feed inlet and seal it.

[0091] Install auxiliary monitoring unit 23: Fix water quality sensor 27 at preset positions in different areas of the aquaculture pond, ensuring that the sensor probe is fully immersed in the water; install image acquisition module 28 on the bracket above the aquaculture pond, adjust the shooting angle to ensure coverage of all feeding areas; install infrared sensor below the nozzle, aiming at the feed diffusion area.

[0092] Connect the signal cable of the intelligent control unit 22 to the automatic control module 4, drive unit 24, branch control valve 25, and auxiliary monitoring unit 23 of the reversing valve assembly 18 respectively, ensuring that the wiring is correct and secure; the cable is a waterproof sheathed cable, and the joint is waterproofed to avoid moisture and short circuit.

[0093] Connect the AC220V power supply and check whether the power supply of each module is normal, whether the display screen of the intelligent control unit 22 is lit up normally, and whether the sensor has a signal output.

[0094] Start the intelligent control unit 22, enter the parameter setting interface, and input the basic information of the aquaculture pond: pond type (factory, high-level pond, small shed, outdoor pond), pond size (length, width, depth), number of zones and area of ​​each zone, aquaculture species and growth stage.

[0095] Input feed parameters: feed particle size, density, feeding frequency, and upper and lower limits of single feeding amount for each region.

[0096] Input equipment parameters: nozzle specifications, branch pipe length, valve core stroke and discharge interface correspondence, sensor calibration parameters, etc.

[0097] Set alarm thresholds: material level high / low threshold, water quality parameter (dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature) threshold, motor overload threshold, valve failure threshold, etc.

[0098] Connect to remote terminal: Search for and connect to the breeding management APP through the WiFi module of the intelligent control unit 22, complete the device binding, and test whether the remote communication is normal.

[0099] Step 2: Mode Selection

[0100] Based on the breeding needs, the corresponding feeding mode can be selected through the touch screen of the intelligent control unit 22 or a remote APP. This invention supports the following four core modes:

[0101] Automatic feeding mode: Suitable for routine and regular feeding scenarios. When this mode is selected, the intelligent control unit 22 automatically controls the coordinated operation of each module based on preset parameters such as feeding time, feeding amount, and feeding area, without manual intervention. Feeding can be set to 1-6 times per day, with each feeding interval ≥2 hours. The feeding duration is automatically calculated based on the feeding amount and feeding speed.

[0102] Manual feeding mode: Suitable for emergency situations such as temporary feeding or localized feed shortages. After selecting this mode, it can be operated in the following two ways:

[0103] Local operation: Move the manual-automatic switching lever 5 of the reversing valve assembly 18 to "manual mode", turn the manual knob to the target discharge interface a 7 position, start the feeding motor through the touch button of the intelligent control unit 22, and manually control the feeding time and feeding amount.

[0104] Remote operation: Select the target feeding area and feed amount through the breeding management APP. The intelligent control unit 22 automatically controls the reversing valve assembly 18 to switch to the corresponding discharge interface b 8, starts the feeding motor and branch pipe control valve 25, and automatically resets after the feeding is completed.

[0105] Segmented feeding mode: Suitable for scenarios where fish at different growth stages are raised in different areas of the same aquaculture pond. After selecting this mode, input the feeding parameters (feed particle size, feeding amount, feeding time) for each area. The intelligent control unit 22 sequentially controls the reversing valve assembly 18 to switch to the corresponding discharge interface of each area, opens the control valve of the corresponding branch pipe, starts the feeding motor, and completes the sequential or simultaneous feeding of each area according to the preset parameters.

[0106] One-to-two feeding mode: Suitable for scenarios where one device feeds two independent breeding ponds. After selecting this mode, input the feeding ratio of the two breeding ponds (range 1:9 to 9:1) and feed parameters. The intelligent control unit 22 controls the dual discharge ports of the reversing valve assembly 18 to be opened simultaneously. By adjusting the valve core opening, the feed flow of the two ports is distributed, and the feeding motor and the corresponding branch pipe control valve 25 are started to achieve synchronous feeding of the two breeding ponds.

[0107] Step 3: Feeding execution

[0108] Based on the selected mode, the intelligent control unit 22 automatically performs the following operations:

[0109] Automatic feeding mode execution process:

[0110] When the preset feeding time is reached, the intelligent control unit 22 first detects the material level and water quality parameters in the storage compartment 15. If the material level is higher than the low material level threshold and the water quality parameters are within the normal range, the feeding process is started. If the material level is insufficient or the water quality is abnormal, an audible and visual alarm is triggered and feeding is suspended. At the same time, an alarm message is pushed to the remote APP.

[0111] The intelligent control unit 22 sends a command to the automatic control module 4 of the reversing valve assembly 18, driving the electric actuator to move the reversing valve core 2 to the target stroke position and open the target discharge interface; at the same time, it sends an opening command to the control valve of the corresponding segment branch pipe, and the control valve responds and sends back a confirmation signal.

[0112] The intelligent control unit 22 calculates the target speed of the feeding motor based on the preset feeding amount and feed particle size, and sends a start command to the drive unit 24 to drive the spiral feeding mechanism 16 to operate. The feed is delivered from the nozzle to the target area through the feeding main pipe 17, the reversing valve assembly 18, and the segmented branch pipe.

[0113] During the feeding process, the intelligent control unit 22 receives feedback signals from the auxiliary monitoring unit 23 in real time: the feed delivery flow rate is monitored by the flow sensor 29, and the speed of the feeding motor is dynamically adjusted to ensure accurate feed quantity; the feed diffusion is monitored by the image acquisition module 28 and the infrared sensor, and if uneven distribution is found, the valve core opening or nozzle angle is automatically adjusted.

[0114] Once the preset feeding time or feeding amount is reached, the intelligent control unit 22 sends commands in sequence: shut down the feeding motor, shut down the branch pipe control valve 25, and drive the reversing valve core 2 to reset to the closed position, thus ending the feeding process.

[0115] Execution process of segmented feeding mode (taking three-zone segmented feeding as an example):

[0116] Select the segmented feeding mode and input the feeding parameters for Zone 1 (Fry Zone), Zone 2 (Medium-to-Adult Fish Zone), and Zone 3 (Adult Fish Zone): Zone 1 (Feed particle size 0.8mm, Feeding amount 3kg, Feeding motor speed 60r / min), Zone 2 (Feed particle size 2.0mm, Feeding amount 6kg, Feeding motor speed 80r / min), Zone 3 (Feed particle size 3.0mm, Feeding amount 6kg, Feeding motor speed 80r / min).

[0117] The intelligent control unit 22 first executes the feeding of zone 1: drive the reversing valve core 2 to move to the stroke position corresponding to zone 1, open the branch control valve 25 of zone 1, start the feeding motor to 60r / min, continue feeding until 3kg of feed is fed, close the motor and valve, and reset the valve core.

[0118] Follow the above procedure to feed areas 2 and 3 in sequence, or feed multiple areas simultaneously according to the settings (ensure that the feed particle size in each area is compatible with the corresponding nozzle specification).

[0119] After all areas have been fed, the intelligent control unit 22 records the feeding data for each area, and the system returns to standby mode.

[0120] Execution process of one-to-two feeding mode:

[0121] Select the one-to-two feeding mode, input the feeding amount of 8kg and feed particle size of Pond 1 (shrimp larvae pond) as 0.5mm, and the feeding amount of 12kg and feed particle size of 2.0mm for Pond 2 (adult shrimp pond) as 4:6.

[0122] The intelligent control unit 22 calculates the valve core stroke position and drives the electric actuator to move the valve core to the double discharge interface conduction position, so that the flow channel opening corresponding to pond 1 and the flow channel opening corresponding to pond 2 meet the 4:6 ratio.

[0123] At the same time, open the branch pipe control valve 25 corresponding to pond 1 and pond 2, start the feeding motor to 100r / min, and the feed is diverted to the two breeding ponds after being diverted by the reversing valve assembly 18.

[0124] During the feeding process, the feed flow rate of the two branches is monitored by the flow sensor 29, and the valve core opening is dynamically adjusted to ensure accurate feed ratio. After the total feeding amount reaches 20kg, the motor and valve are turned off and the valve core is reset.

[0125] Step 4: Status Monitoring and Data Recording

[0126] Real-time monitoring:

[0127] Material quantity monitoring: The material quantity is monitored in real time by the capacitive material level sensor 26 in the material storage compartment 15. When the material level is lower than the low material level threshold, an audible and visual alarm is triggered. The feed conveying flow rate is monitored in real time by the flow sensor 29 in the feeding main pipe 17 and fed back to the intelligent control unit 22 for material quantity calibration.

[0128] Water quality monitoring: Water quality sensor 27 collects parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and water temperature in real time, and updates the data every 5-10 seconds. When the parameters exceed the preset threshold, the intelligent control unit 22 automatically stops feeding and restarts it after the water quality returns to normal, or adjusts the feeding amount according to the settings.

[0129] Equipment status monitoring: The intelligent control unit 22 monitors the current and speed of the feeding motor, the valve core position of the reversing valve assembly 18, and the opening and closing status of the branch control valve 25 in real time. When abnormalities such as motor overload, valve core jamming, or valve failure occur, feeding is stopped immediately, an alarm is triggered, and fault information is recorded.

[0130] Feeding effect monitoring: The image acquisition module 28 captures images of the feeding area in real time, and the intelligent control unit 22 analyzes the uniformity of feed distribution and the feeding activity of fish through image recognition algorithms. If the feed distribution is uneven, the nozzle angle or feeding speed is automatically adjusted; if the feeding activity of fish is low, the subsequent feeding amount can be appropriately reduced.

[0131] Data recording and transmission:

[0132] After each feeding is completed, the intelligent control unit 22 automatically records data such as feeding time, feeding mode, feeding amount in each area, feed particle size, water quality parameters, and equipment operating status, and stores them in the local data storage module 34 for a storage time of ≥1 year.

[0133] Data is synchronized to a remote aquaculture management APP and IoT platform, supporting the query of historical data by time, aquaculture pond, feeding mode and other conditions, generating feeding reports and trend curves, which makes it easier for aquaculture personnel to analyze feed conversion rate and optimize feeding strategies.

[0134] Fault data is recorded separately, including fault type, time of occurrence, fault location, and handling suggestions, which facilitates maintenance personnel to quickly troubleshoot problems.

[0135] Step 5: System Maintenance

[0136] Routine maintenance (once a week):

[0137] Nozzle maintenance: Disassemble all feeding nozzles 21, rinse with clean water to remove feed residue from the orifice, check if the nozzle guide plate is deformed, and replace it in time if it is damaged; replace the nozzle with the appropriate nozzle specification according to the feed particle size.

[0138] Pipeline maintenance: Check the sealing of the branch pipe sections and interfaces. If there is a leak, replace the Teflon tape or rubber gasket; clean the feed residue on the inner wall of the branch pipe to prevent the growth of bacteria.

[0139] Control unit maintenance: Clean the display screen and ventilation holes of the intelligent control unit 22 to prevent dust accumulation; check whether the cable connections are secure and whether the connectors are damp.

[0140] Sensor maintenance: Clean the water quality sensor 27 probe, remove surface deposits, and ensure measurement accuracy; check if the installation position of the material level sensor 26 is offset, and calibrate the sensor signal.

[0141] Monthly maintenance (once a month):

[0142] Maintenance of directional valve assembly 18: Check the wear of directional valve core 2. If the gap between the valve core and the valve body 1 exceeds 1mm, replace the valve core sealing ring; switch to manual-automatic mode and test whether the valve core moves smoothly. If there is any jamming, disassemble the valve core and apply food-grade grease.

[0143] 16. Maintenance of the screw feeding mechanism: Check whether the coating on the screw surface is worn. If the wear is severe, it needs to be recoated. Clean the feed residue on the inner wall of the cylinder. Check the gap between the screw and the cylinder. If it exceeds the range of 0.5-0.8mm, adjust or replace the parts.

[0144] Sensor calibration: Calibrate the magnetostrictive stroke sensor to ensure valve core position detection accuracy; calibrate the flow sensor 29 and water quality sensor 27, verify the measurement error using standard equipment, and correct the parameters if the error exceeds the allowable range.

[0145] Communication function test: Test the connection stability of wireless communication module 33 to ensure normal data transmission; check the remote control function and verify the reliability of remote parameter setting and start / stop operation.

[0146] Quarterly maintenance (once every 3 months):

[0147] Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the equipment's mechanical structure, including the sealing performance of the storage compartment 15, the sturdiness of the support frame, and the aging condition of the segmented branch pipes. If any damage is found, repair or replace it promptly.

[0148] Check the operating status of drive unit 24, test the stability of motor speed, and check whether the buffer rubber pad of the coupling is aging. If it is aging, replace it in time.

[0149] Back up the feed data on local storage, clean up redundant data, and ensure that the storage module is operating normally.

[0150] Upgrade the software of the intelligent control unit 22 to optimize the control algorithm and functions, thereby improving equipment performance.

[0151] To more clearly illustrate the technical effects of the present invention, the following describes the embodiments of the present invention in detail, taking into account specific aquaculture scenarios, component parameters, and operating steps:

[0152] Example 1

[0153] Segmented feeding application in factory-scale recirculating aquaculture ponds

[0154] Aquaculture scenario parameters:

[0155] Aquaculture pond: A factory-style recirculating aquaculture pond measuring 50m long × 10m wide × 1.5m deep, divided into 3 areas: fry area (first 10m), intermediate and adult fish area (middle 20m), and adult fish area (last 20m).

[0156] Cultured species: Sea bass fry (2-3cm in length) are cultured in the fry area at a density of 120 fish / m2; sea bass (5-8cm in length) are cultured in the medium-to-adult area at a density of 80 fish / m2; sea bass (10-15cm in length) are cultured in the adult area at a density of 50 fish / m2.

[0157] Feed requirements: In the fry area, feed 3 kg of 0.8 mm micro-particle feed per feeding, 4 times a day; in the medium and adult fish area, feed 6 kg of 2.0 mm particle feed per feeding, 4 times a day; in the adult fish area, feed 6 kg of 3.0 mm particle feed per feeding, 4 times a day.

[0158] Equipment assembly parameters:

[0159] The main body of the feeding machine 14 includes a storage compartment 15 with a volume of 120L and two independent compartments of 60L each; a screw feeding mechanism 16 with a screw diameter of 80mm, a screw pitch of 50mm, and a gap of 0.6mm between the screw and the barrel; and a drive unit 24 using a 0.75kW three-phase asynchronous motor with a speed range of 30-120r / min.

[0160] Reversing valve assembly 18: Valve body 1 is 200mm long × 150mm wide × 120mm high, with 1 feed port 6 and 3 discharge ports; reversing valve core 2 has a diameter of 48mm and a stroke of 0-20mm; manual control module 3 has a transmission ratio of 1:5, and automatic control module 4 has a stroke sensor accuracy of ±0.05mm.

[0161] Segmented feeding pipe assembly: The branch pipe in the fry area is 10m long and equipped with 5 A-type nozzles (1.0mm orifice); the branch pipe in the intermediate and adult fish area is 20m long and equipped with 10 B-type nozzles (2.5mm orifice); the branch pipe in the adult fish area is 20m long and equipped with 10 C-type nozzles (4.0mm orifice); the branch pipe control valve 25 adopts an electromagnetic ball valve with a response time of 0.2s.

[0162] Intelligent control unit 22: 2.4-inch TFT touch screen, ESP8266 WiFi module; auxiliary monitoring unit 23 includes capacitive level sensor 26, dissolved oxygen sensor, pH sensor, water temperature sensor and waterproof camera.

[0163] System assembly and parameter initialization: Complete the mechanical assembly and circuit connection as required above, input the aquaculture pond size, zoning information, feed parameters, set the feed level low threshold to 10% of the compartment volume, dissolved oxygen threshold to 5-8 mg / L, pH threshold to 7.0-8.5, and water temperature threshold to 20-28℃.

[0164] Mode selection: Select "segmented feeding mode" and set the feeding time to 4 times a day, at 6:00, 10:00, 14:00 and 18:00 respectively.

[0165] Feeding execution:

[0166] Feeding is triggered at 6:00. The intelligent control unit 22 first checks the material level and water quality parameters. If both are normal, the process is started.

[0167] Feeding in the fry area: Move the drive valve core to the 5mm position, open the fry area discharge interface, open the corresponding branch control valve 25, start the motor to 60r / min, feed for 3 minutes (feeding amount 3kg), then close the motor and valve, and reset the valve core.

[0168] Feeding in the adult fish area: Move the drive valve core to the 10mm position, open the discharge port of the adult fish area, open the corresponding branch control valve 25, start the motor to 80r / min, feed for 4 minutes (feeding amount 6kg), then close the motor and valve, and reset the valve core.

[0169] To feed adult fish: Move the drive valve core to the 18mm position, open the adult fish discharge interface, open the corresponding branch control valve 25, start the motor to 80r / min, feed for 4 minutes (feeding amount 6kg), then close the motor and valve, and reset the valve core.

[0170] Status monitoring and data recording: During the feeding process, the feed quantity, water quality and equipment status are monitored in real time, and no abnormalities are found; after feeding is completed, the relevant data is recorded and synchronized to the remote APP.

[0171] Maintenance: Disassemble and flush the nozzles weekly; calibrate the sensors and check valve core wear monthly. The equipment operates stably without any malfunctions.

[0172] Example 2

[0173] High-density high-level pool one-to-two feeding application

[0174] Aquaculture scenario parameters:

[0175] Elevated pools: Two adjacent elevated pools (Pond 1 and Pond 2), each with dimensions of 50m × 20m × 2.0m.

[0176] Cultured species: Litopenaeus vannamei larvae (1-2cm in body length) are cultured in pond 1 at a density of 200 shrimp / m². 2 Feed 0.5mm micro-particle feed at a rate of 8kg / time; raise Pacific white shrimp (5-6cm in length) in pond 2 at a density of 100 shrimp / m². 2 Feed 2.0mm pellets at 12kg / feeding time; feed 3 times a day.

[0177] Equipment assembly parameters:

[0178] The main body of the feeding machine 14 includes a storage compartment 15 with a volume of 160L, and two independent compartments each with a volume of 80L; a screw feeding mechanism 16 with a screw diameter of 90mm, a screw pitch of 60mm, and a gap of 0.7mm between the screw and the barrel; and a drive unit 24 using a 1.1kW three-phase asynchronous motor with a speed range of 30-120r / min.

[0179] Reversing valve assembly 18: Valve body 1 is provided with one inlet port 6 and one outlet port a 7, outlet port b 8. Reversing valve core 2 has a stroke of 0-20mm, and automatic control module 4 has a response time of 0.4s.

[0180] Segmented feeding pipe assembly: Pond 1 branch pipe length 30m, installed with 15 A-type nozzles; Pond 2 branch pipe length 30m, installed with 15 B-type nozzles; Branch pipe control valve 25 response time 0.3s.

[0181] The intelligent control unit 22 and the auxiliary monitoring unit 23 are configured the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0182] Operating procedures:

[0183] System assembly and parameter initialization: After assembly, input the basic information and feed parameters of the two aquaculture ponds, set the feed ratio to 4:6, and the water quality threshold to be the same as in Example 1.

[0184] Mode selection: Select "One-to-two feeding mode", set to feed 3 times a day, at 7:00, 13:00 and 19:00.

[0185] Feeding execution:

[0186] Feeding is triggered at 7:00. After the intelligent control unit 22 detects that the material level and water quality are normal, it drives the valve core to move to the 12mm position so that the opening of the dual discharge interface meets the 4:6 ratio.

[0187] At the same time, open the branch pipe control valve 25 of pond 1 and pond 2, start the motor to 100r / min, and the feed is diverted and transported to the two breeding ponds.

[0188] After 5 minutes of feeding, the total feed amount reaches 20kg. Then, the motor and valve are turned off, and the valve core is reset.

[0189] Status monitoring: During the feeding process, the flow rate of the two branches is monitored by the flow sensor 29, and the valve core opening is dynamically adjusted to ensure accurate feed ratio; the water quality parameters are normal and the equipment operates stably.

[0190] Maintenance: Clean the nozzles and pipelines regularly according to the daily maintenance requirements. Check the wear of the valve core and screw during monthly maintenance. The equipment maintenance cycle reached 14 months and no malfunctions occurred.

[0191] Example 3

[0192] Precision feeding application in small-scale aquaculture ponds

[0193] Aquaculture scenario parameters:

[0194] Small shed pond: A plastic shed pond measuring 10m×5m×1.2m, used for raising yellow catfish fry (3-4cm in length) at a density of 100 fish / m2.

[0195] Feed requirements: Feed 1.0mm pellets, 2kg / feeding, 3 times a day.

[0196] Equipment assembly parameters:

[0197] The main body of the feeding machine 14 includes a storage compartment 15 with a volume of 100L and two independent compartments, each with a volume of 50L; a screw feeding mechanism 16 with a screw diameter of 70mm, a screw pitch of 40mm, and a gap of 0.5mm between the screw and the barrel; and a drive unit 24 using a 0.55kW three-phase asynchronous motor.

[0198] Reversing valve assembly 18: It is equipped with one feed port 6 and one discharge port, and the manual-automatic switching mechanism is easy to operate.

[0199] Segmented feeding pipe assembly: branch pipe length 10m, installed with 5 A-size nozzles, bracket height 1.0m.

[0200] The intelligent control unit 22 and the auxiliary monitoring unit 23 are configured the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0201] Operating procedures:

[0202] System assembly and parameter initialization: After assembly, input the aquaculture pond information and feed parameters, and set the feeding mode to "automatic feeding mode".

[0203] Feeding execution: Feeding starts automatically at the preset time every day, the drive valve core opens the discharge interface, the branch pipe control valve 25 is opened, the motor is started at 50r / min, and feeding is carried out for 2 minutes (feeding amount 2kg) and then automatically stops.

[0204] Status monitoring: The image acquisition module 28 monitors the distribution of feed to ensure uniform coverage of the aquaculture pond; water quality parameters are monitored in real time and no abnormalities are found.

[0205] 3.4 Maintenance: Daily maintenance focuses on cleaning dust from the nozzles and equipment surfaces inside the shed, ensuring stable equipment operation, and maintaining a material quantity control error of ≤3%.

[0206] The scope of protection of this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to this invention without departing from the principles and spirit of this invention, and these modifications and variations should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0207] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0208] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A directional control system for a feeder in factory farming, characterized in that, The system includes a main feeding machine, a reversing valve assembly, segmented feeding pipe groups, an intelligent control unit, and an auxiliary monitoring unit. The main feeding machine includes at least two independently sealed storage compartments, a screw feeding mechanism, and a drive unit. The output end of the screw feeding mechanism is connected to the main feeding pipe. The reversing valve assembly is connected to the main feeding pipe and includes a valve body, a reversing valve core, a manual control module, an automatic control module, and a manual-automatic switching mechanism. The reversing valve core is drivenly connected to both the manual and automatic control modules. The valve body has at least two discharge ports. The segmented feeding pipe groups include segmented branch pipes corresponding to the discharge ports, branch pipe control valves, and detachable feeding nozzles. The intelligent control unit is electrically connected to the automatic control module, the drive unit, the branch pipe control valves, and the auxiliary monitoring unit, supporting automatic / manual mode switching and remote data interaction. The auxiliary monitoring unit includes a material level sensor, a water quality sensor, and a feeding status monitoring component.

2. The factory farming feeder directional control system of claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the storage compartment is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. At least two capacitive level sensors are installed inside the compartment to detect high and low material levels, respectively. A conical guide structure with a cone angle of 50° is provided at the bottom of the compartment. -70°, the compartments are made of 304 stainless steel with a thickness of 1.2-2.0mm, and each compartment has a volume of 50-80L.

3. The recirculating aquaculture feed directional control system of claim 1, wherein, The screw surface of the spiral feeding mechanism is successively plated with a hard chrome coating and a ceramic coating, with a total coating thickness of 0.08-0.12mm. The screw diameter is 70-90mm, the screw pitch is 40-60mm, the gap between the screw and the barrel is controlled at 0.5-0.8mm, and the inner wall of the barrel is polished with a roughness Ra≤0.8μm.

4. The factory farming feeder directional control system of claim 1, wherein, The manual control module of the reversing valve assembly includes a hand-tightening knob, a transmission gear set, and a dial. The knob rotation angle of 0-90° corresponds to a valve core stroke of 0-20mm, and the transmission ratio of the transmission gear set is 1:3-1:

6. The automatic control module includes an electric actuator and a magnetostrictive stroke sensor. The stroke sensor has a measurement accuracy of ±0.05mm, and the response time of the electric actuator is ≤0.5s.

5. The factory farming feeder directional control system of claim 1, wherein, The manual-automatic switching mechanism is a two-position four-way mechanical lever switch with a switching stroke of ≤2mm. The contacts are made of silver-nickel alloy and have a wear resistance of ≥100,000 times. When switching to manual mode, the automatic control module is de-energized, and when switching to automatic mode, the transmission connection between the manual control module and the reversing valve core is disconnected.

6. The factory farming feeder directional control system of claim 1, wherein, The segmented branch pipe is made of PVC-U material with a nominal pressure of 0.8-1.2MPa. An electromagnetic ball valve is installed in the middle section of the branch pipe as the branch pipe control valve. The response time of the electromagnetic ball valve is ≤0.3s, the working pressure is 0.1-1.0MPa, and the length scale is printed on the surface of the branch pipe at intervals of 0.8-1.5m.

7. The factory farming feeder directional control system of claim 1, wherein, The feeding nozzle is a threaded connection structure, provided with three aperture specifications, 1.0 mm, 2.5 mm and 4.0 mm respectively, the nozzle outlet is provided with a 25°-35° guide plate, the nozzle material is ABS engineering plastic, the impact resistance is greater than or equal to 15 kJ / m 2 , and the feeding coverage is greater than or equal to 0.5 m 2 / nozzle.

8. The factory farming feeder directional control system of claim 1, wherein, The intelligent control unit includes an STM32F103C8T6 main control chip, a TFT touch screen, an ESP8266 WiFi module, and a data storage module; the TFT touch screen has a resolution of ≥320×240 and supports parameter setting and status display; the WiFi module supports the IEEE802.11b / g / n protocol, has a communication distance of ≤50m, and can be connected to a breeding management APP or IoT platform; the data storage module stores feeding data for ≥1 year.

9. The factory farming feeder directional control system of claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary monitoring unit includes a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, and a water temperature sensor, with measurement accuracies of ±0.1 mg / L, ±0.05 pH, and ±0.1℃, respectively. The feeding status monitoring component includes a flow sensor and an image acquisition module. The flow sensor is installed on the main feeding pipe and has a measurement accuracy of ≥0.5% FS. The image acquisition module is used to monitor feed diffusion and fish feeding in real time.

10. A method of operating a directed control system for a feed machine for factory farming according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: System assembly and parameter initialization. Select the appropriate feeding nozzle specifications according to the needs of the aquaculture scenario, complete the mechanical connection and circuit connection of each module, and input the aquaculture pond zoning information, feed parameters and basic feeding parameters through the intelligent control unit. Step 2: Mode selection. Select automatic feeding mode, manual feeding mode, segmented feeding mode, or one-to-two feeding mode through the intelligent control unit or remote terminal. Step 3: Feeding execution. The intelligent control unit controls the reversing valve assembly to switch the discharge interface according to the selected mode, and adjusts the speed of the drive unit and the on / off state of the branch pipe control valve to achieve precise directional feeding. Step 4: Status monitoring and data recording. The auxiliary monitoring unit collects data on material level, water quality and feeding status in real time. The intelligent control unit triggers an alarm for abnormal data and records information such as feeding time, material quantity and area. Step 5: System maintenance. Regularly clean and inspect the feeding nozzles, reversing valve cores, and pipelines. Calibrate sensor and actuator parameters through the intelligent control unit.

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