Coarse feed automatic processing and distribution system

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of feed processing equipment, in particular to an automatic processing and distribution system for coarse feed. The system comprises a raw material storage area, a hay warehouse, a silage silo, a coarse feed bin, an arch breaking device, a dust removal device, a weighing module and a material taking and transferring device. The number of the coarse fodder bins is at least one, the coarse fodder bins correspond to the raw material storage areas and are used for receiving and temporarily storing coarse fodder from the corresponding raw material storage areas, a weighing module is arranged at the bottom of each coarse fodder bin, and the fodder taking and transferring equipment is used for transferring the coarse fodder from the raw material storage areas into the corresponding coarse fodder bins. The central control unit is in communication connection with all the weighing modules and used for receiving weight data and storing feed formulas, the feeding end of the conveying equipment is connected with discharging ports of all the coarse feed bins, and a feeding port of the mixer truck is connected with the discharging end of the conveying equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of feed processing equipment, and in particular to an automated roughage processing and distribution system. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional roughage processing relies heavily on manual labor and experience. It typically begins with a forklift driver shoveling raw materials from haystacks or silage pits based on rough experience. The entire truckload is weighed on a weighbridge to obtain a rough total weight before being transported to an open pit or simple platform. Workers then use forklifts to add different raw materials in batches to a mixer truck based on a paper formula, relying on visual inspection and intuition, or they pre-mix them manually. The entire process lacks real-time, precise weighing methods, making it impossible to accurately control the actual amount of each raw material added, and ensuring uniform mixing. All material consumption and proportioning data depend on manual recording and estimation afterward, resulting in a crude, opaque, and highly volatile production process.

[0003] However, existing equipment often encounters the following problems during use: (1) In traditional operations, the weighing of roughage often relies on the experience of the forklift driver for estimation, or on a rough weighing of the entire vehicle using a weighbridge before manual distribution. This model has insurmountable systematic errors. Its harm goes far beyond the simple category of "a pound more or less". First, it directly damages animal production performance and health: precision nutrition is the cornerstone of modern efficient farming. The proportion of each ingredient in the formula is scientifically calculated to meet the specific needs of animals for energy, fiber, protein, etc. Errors caused by manual feed preparation (usually reaching 5%-10% or even higher) will lead to fluctuations in the nutrient concentration of the diet, causing animals to sometimes be malnourished and sometimes malnourished. In the long run, this will lead to a decrease in feed conversion rate, uneven growth, fluctuations in milk production, and even metabolic diseases. Second, it causes huge hidden economic losses: errors not only mean the waste or lack of nutrients, but also directly translate into real money wasted feed costs. For a farm with 10,000 head of livestock, every 1% increase in the daily feed error can result in a cumulative feed waste loss of up to hundreds of thousands of yuan per year.

[0004] (2) In the traditional model lacking automated data collection, feed production management has long been in a "black box" or "semi-blind" state. Key data such as how much feed was taken, how much was used in each warehouse, and how much was actually used in each vehicle mostly rely on manually filled-out reports afterward, making it difficult to guarantee their authenticity, timeliness, and relevance. The harm of this data deficiency is comprehensive and far-reaching: First, it leads to vague cost control: the inability to accurately calculate the actual feed consumption of each batch and each herd results in cost analysis remaining at a general cost-per-ton level, making it difficult to identify waste and implement precise control. Second, it leads to a broken production traceability chain: once herd health problems occur (such as poisoning or group malnutrition), it is difficult to quickly and accurately trace back to which batch of feed the problem occurred, what raw materials it consisted of, and who operated it, making risk management and problem review extremely difficult. Third, it hinders management decision optimization: managers lack quantitative basis for inventory turnover, equipment efficiency, and personnel performance, and decisions are often based on feelings rather than facts, making continuous production process optimization impossible. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an automated roughage processing and distribution system, which solves at least one of the aforementioned problems to a certain extent.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: An automated roughage processing and distribution system, comprising: Raw material storage area; At least one roughage bin is provided, and each roughage bin is correspondingly located to the raw material storage area, for receiving and temporarily storing roughage from the corresponding raw material storage area. A weighing module is provided at the bottom of each of the roughage bins; A material handling and transfer device, which is used to transfer roughage from the raw material storage area to the corresponding roughage bin; A central control unit, which is communicatively connected to all the weighing modules, is used to receive weight data and store feed formulas; A conveying device, wherein the inlet end of the conveying device is connected to the outlet of each of the roughage bins; A mixer truck, the feed inlet of which is connected to the discharge end of the conveying equipment.

[0007] The raw material storage area includes a hay storage room for storing hay and a silage pit for storing fermented feed.

[0008] The roughage bin includes an arch-breaking device and a dust removal device.

[0009] The central control unit includes a human-machine interface for inputting or selecting feed formulas and displaying the real-time inventory and feeding process of each roughage bin.

[0010] The central control unit is also configured to generate material handling instructions and send them to the terminal of the material handling and transfer equipment.

[0011] The conveying equipment is an enclosed conveyor.

[0012] The central control unit controls the designated roughage bins to discharge feed into the conveying equipment in a preset order and weight according to the selected feed formula.

[0013] The weighing module is a high-precision sensor. The central control unit controls the opening and closing of the roughage bin outlet by comparing the weight reduction value fed back by the weighing module with the formula target value in real time.

[0014] The mixer truck is equipped with a second weighing unit that is connected to the central control unit.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: (1) The design of this invention relies on two main components: a high-precision weighing module at the bottom of the roughage bin and a central control unit. During operation, the system does not "estimate" or "weigh after the fact," but rather executes a dynamic and precise control process: after the operator selects the formula, the central control unit sends the scientific formula target value of each raw material to the corresponding bin; after feeding is started, the weighing module monitors the weight reduction of the material in the bin at a very high frequency in real time, and feeds the data back to the central control unit in milliseconds; the central unit continuously compares the measured reduction value with the preset target value, and once the two are consistent, it immediately issues an instruction to close the discharge port. This closed loop of "setting-execution-measurement-comparison-adjustment" completely replaces the driver's eyes and hands, improving the feeding accuracy from the "percentage error" of manual feeding to the "gram-level error" controlled by the system, thereby ensuring that every ration strictly meets the nutritional standards and eliminating the decline in animal production performance and hidden feed waste caused by the fluctuation of the formula.

[0016] (2) My design achieves transparency and traceability management by constructing a “full-process automated data chain.” This relies on the collaboration of all weighing sensors in the system (weighing modules of each silo and the second weighing unit at the mixer truck inlet) and the central control unit. During operation, all key material flows are automatically quantified and digitized: from the recommended feed amount generated according to the formula, to the actual consumption recorded by each silo weighing module, and then to the total weight entering the truck verified by the second weighing unit, these data are automatically collected, associated, and bound to the current production task in the central control unit, generating an unalterable electronic batch record. This completely changes the “black box” state that relies on manual reports, making the cost of each batch of feed accurately calculated down to the specific raw materials, and any quality anomaly can be quickly traced back to the exact production batch and raw material details. All management decisions (such as inventory procurement and efficiency optimization) can be based on real and timely full-process data, realizing a leap from experience-based management to data-driven precision management. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the detailed embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system connection of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the roughage bin of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the present invention.

[0021] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Raw material storage area; 101. Hay storage; 102. Silage pit; 2. Roughage storage; 201. Arch breaking device; 202. Dust removal device; 3. Weighing module; 4. Material handling and transfer equipment; 5. Central control unit; 6. Conveying equipment; 7. Mixer truck. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described 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.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the present invention provides an automated roughage processing and distribution system, which includes a raw material storage area 1, a hay storage 101, a silage pit 102, a roughage bin 2, an arch-breaking device 201, a dust removal device 202, a weighing module 3, and a material handling and transfer device 4.

[0025] Raw material storage area 1 includes a hay storage 101 for storing hay and a silage pit 102 for storing fermented feed. Its design aims to standardize and zone the storage of different types of roughage, ensuring the independence and quality stability of materials from the source, laying the foundation for subsequent precise retrieval and distribution. At least one roughage bin 2 is provided, corresponding to raw material storage area 1. Roughage bin 2 receives and temporarily stores roughage from its corresponding storage area 1. Its design aims to serve as the core buffer and execution unit of the automated distribution system, realizing the transition from bulk storage to precise distribution. Roughage bin 2 includes an arch-breaking device 201 and a dust removal device 202. The arch-breaking device 201 prevents materials from arching and clogging within the bin, ensuring smooth and uniform feeding; the dust removal device 202 suppresses dust emission during feeding and arch-breaking processes, improving the working environment and reducing material loss.

[0026] In this invention, each roughage bin 2 is equipped with a weighing module 3 at its bottom; its design purpose is to directly and accurately monitor the real-time weight of the material inside the bin. The weighing module 3 is a high-precision sensor. The central control unit 5 controls the opening and closing of the discharge port of the roughage bin 2 by comparing the weight reduction value fed back by the weighing module 3 with the formula target value in real time. Its design purpose is to form the core link of a closed-loop feedback control. By comparing the real-time measurement with the target value, the precise dynamic control of the feeding process is achieved, ensuring the feeding accuracy. The material handling and transfer equipment 4 is used to transfer roughage from the raw material storage area 1 to the corresponding roughage bin 2; its design purpose is to complete the first transfer of materials from the raw material warehouse to the automated distribution system, realize the mechanization of material flow and the order instruction, and serve as a bridge connecting raw material storage and precise distribution.

[0027] In this invention, the central control unit 5 is communicatively connected to all weighing modules 3, used to receive weight data and store feed formulas; its design purpose is to act as the brain of the system, aggregating all data and executing core control logic. The central control unit 5 includes a human-machine interface for inputting or selecting feed formulas and displaying the real-time inventory and feeding process of each roughage bin 2. Its design purpose is to provide operators with an intuitive and convenient system monitoring and operation entry point, achieving transparent information interaction between humans and machines. The central control unit 5 is also configured to generate feeding instructions and send them to the terminal of the feeding and transfer equipment 4. The feeding instructions include the type and suggested quantity of roughage to be taken from the raw material storage area 1. Its design purpose is to pre-define and instruct the formula requirements, guiding the raw material preparation process and achieving full information-driven operation from formula to feeding. Based on the selected feed formula, the central control unit controls the designated roughage bin 2 to feed the conveying equipment 6 in a preset order and weight. Its design purpose is to accurately execute the formula logic, coordinate the orderly and quantitative operation of multiple bins, and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the delivery process.

[0028] In this invention, the inlet of the conveying device 6 is connected to the outlet of each roughage bin 2; its design purpose is to collect materials from different roughage bins 2 and transport them smoothly and continuously to the final mixing point. The conveying device 6 is a closed conveyor, designed to prevent material spillage, contamination, or external environmental influences during the conveying process, ensuring clean and efficient material transport and reducing nutrient loss. The inlet of the mixer truck 7 is connected to the outlet of the conveying device 6, designed to seamlessly receive all roughage components delivered by the conveying device 6. A second weighing unit is installed at the inlet of the mixer truck 7, communicating with the central control unit 5. Its design purpose is to perform a final verification and recording of the total weight of the roughage fed into the mixer truck 7, forming a double verification of the feeding weight, and providing an accurate weight benchmark for subsequent addition of concentrate feed, thereby ensuring the total weight accuracy of the entire batch formulation.

[0029] It should be noted that the automated roughage processing and distribution system designed in this invention begins with the issuance of instructions from the central control unit 5. After the operator selects a formula, the system generates a material collection order, guiding the loader to collect material from the hay silage bin 101 or the silage pit 102 and deposit it into the corresponding automated roughage bin 2. When the TMR mixer truck 7 is in place, the distribution program is initiated, and the central control unit 5 automatically and sequentially controls the opening and closing of the outlets of the designated bins according to the formula instructions. The weighing module 3 at the bottom of each bin monitors the weight of the material being discharged in real time until the formula target value is reached. The material is then collected by the closed conveyor equipment 6 and sent into the mixer truck 7. After the roughage is fully discharged, the system records all the data from this discharge and proceeds to the subsequent concentrate addition and mixing stage, completing a full distribution cycle. The core working principle of this system lies in formula-driven closed-loop automatic control and data flow management. The central control unit 5 acts as the brain, storing the formula and issuing precise instructions. Each automated roughage bin 2 serves as the execution terminal, with its built-in weighing module 3 acting as a feedback sensor, transmitting weight signals back to the central unit in real time. This forms a closed-loop control circuit of "setting target - execution - measurement - comparison - adjustment," thereby achieving high-precision control of the feed weight. Simultaneously, the entire material transfer process, from the storage area to the bins, and then from the bins to the mixer truck 7, is quantified into weight data and automatically recorded and correlated, forming a complete data chain from formula and production to inventory. This achieves synchronization between physical and information flows, ensuring the controllability and traceability of feed distribution.

[0030] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automated roughage processing and distribution system, characterized in that, include: Raw material storage area (1); At least one roughage bin (2) is provided, and the roughage bin (2) is provided in correspondence with the raw material storage area (1) for receiving and temporarily storing roughage from the corresponding raw material storage area (1). Weighing module (3), the weighing module (3) is provided at the bottom of each of the roughage bins (2); Material handling and transfer equipment (4) is used to transfer roughage from the raw material storage area (1) to the corresponding roughage bin (2); The central control unit (5) is communicatively connected to all the weighing modules (3) and is used to receive weight data and store feed formulas. The conveying device (6) is connected to the discharge port of each of the roughage bins (2) at its inlet end; A mixer truck (7) is connected to the discharge end of the conveying equipment (6) via its feed inlet.

2. The automated roughage processing and distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw material storage area (1) includes a hay storage (101) for storing hay and a silage pit (102) for storing fermented feed.

3. The automated roughage processing and distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roughage bin (2) includes an arch-breaking device (201) and a dust removal device (202).

4. The automated roughage processing and distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central control unit (5) includes a human-machine interface for inputting or selecting feed formulas and displaying the real-time inventory and feeding process of each roughage bin (2).

5. The automated roughage processing and distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central control unit (5) is also configured to generate material picking instructions and send them to the terminal of the material picking and transfer device (4).

6. The automated roughage processing and distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying equipment (6) is a closed conveyor.

7. The automated roughage processing and distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central control unit (5) controls the designated roughage bin (2) to discharge feed into the conveying device (6) in a preset order and weight according to the selected feed formula.

8. The automated roughage processing and distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing module (3) is a high-precision sensor. The central control unit (5) controls the opening and closing of the feed outlet of the roughage bin (2) by comparing the weight reduction value fed back by the weighing module (3) with the formula target value in real time.

9. The automated roughage processing and distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixer truck (7) is equipped with a second weighing unit at its feed inlet, which is connected to the central control unit (5) in communication.

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