Intelligent feeding apparatus and method

Abstract

The application discloses an intelligent feeding device and method, and belongs to the technical field of livestock breeding equipment. The device comprises a water outlet device, a water level control device, a discharging device, a trough and a control system; the water outlet device is used for discharging water to the trough and feeding back the water discharge amount to the control system; the water level control device is arranged on the water outlet device and is used for automatically stopping water discharge by using atmospheric pressure difference when the water level in the trough submerges the outlet of the water outlet device, and is used for automatically starting water discharge by using atmospheric pressure difference when the water level in the trough drops to expose the outlet of the water outlet device. The method comprises the following steps: the water outlet device discharges water to the trough and detects the water discharge amount; the water level control device automatically controls the start and stop of water discharge by using atmospheric pressure difference, and does not need a sensor; and the discharging device discharges feed according to the water discharge amount and the water-feed ratio. The water level control device automatically controls the start and stop of water discharge by using atmospheric pressure difference, does not need a probe sensor to detect the water level, and does not need an electromagnetic valve to control water flow, so that the technical problems of easy damage and high cost of the probe sensor are fundamentally solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of livestock breeding equipment technology, and in particular relates to an intelligent feeding device and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of modern animal husbandry, intelligent feeding equipment has been widely used in the pig farming industry. Current intelligent pig feeders mainly consist of a feeder and a water dispenser. They primarily use sensors such as probes to detect whether there is water in the feed trough, then feed this information back to the control system. The control system then controls the feeder and water dispenser to dispense food and water, as illustrated in patent publication number CN114009358B. However, the existing technology has the following problems: I. Probe Sensor Issues The working principle of a probe sensor is to detect water level by contacting the probe with the water and utilizing the conductivity of the water. During pig feeding, the probe is constantly immersed in a mixture of feed and water, which presents the following problems: The probe is prone to rust and damage: The mixture of feed and water is corrosive, and the metal parts of the probe are prone to corrosion and rust after long-term immersion, which leads to detection failure; Feed adhesion causes detection failure: Feed can easily adhere to the probe surface, forming an insulating layer, which prevents the probe from accurately detecting the water level; Regular cleaning and replacement are required: The probe needs to be cleaned regularly to remove deposits, and it needs to be replaced after corrosion, which increases maintenance costs. High sensor cost: The probe sensor itself is expensive, which increases the overall cost of the equipment.

[0003] II. Solenoid Valve Problems Existing technologies using solenoid valves in sewage control have the following problems: Solenoid valves are expensive: Solenoid valves are relatively expensive components, which increases the cost of equipment; Solenoid valves are prone to damage: Solenoid valves are easily damaged during frequent switching and need to be replaced regularly; Complex control logic: Solenoid valves require commands from the control system to open and close, which increases the complexity of the control logic. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an intelligent feeding device and method that does not require a sensor to detect the water level or a solenoid valve to control the water flow, thus fundamentally solving the technical problems of easy damage and high cost of probe sensors.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of the present invention discloses an intelligent feeding device, comprising: The drainage device is used to deliver water into the trough and is electrically connected to the control system to feed back the detected drainage volume to the control system. A water level control device is installed on the drainage device to automatically control the start and stop of drainage according to the liquid level in the trough. The water level control device is configured to automatically close and stop drainage when the water level in the trough submerges the outlet of the drainage device using atmospheric pressure difference, and to automatically open drainage when the water level in the trough drops and exposes the outlet of the drainage device using atmospheric pressure difference. The feeding device is used to output feed into the feed trough and is electrically connected to the control system; The feed trough is located below the feeding device and the watering device to receive the feed and water output from the feeding device and the watering device. The control system is used to control the feeding device to feed materials based on the water volume and the preset water-to-material ratio.

[0006] The water level control device of this invention utilizes atmospheric pressure difference to automatically control the start and stop of water flow, eliminating the need for sensors to detect water level and solenoid valves to control water flow. This solves the problems of existing technologies that use probe sensors for water level detection (probes are prone to rust and damage, resulting in high costs) and solenoid valves for water flow control (solenoid valves are expensive and prone to damage). Therefore, this invention fundamentally solves the technical problems of easily damaged and expensive probe sensors; it further reduces costs by eliminating the need for solenoid valves, resulting in a simple and low-cost structure with high reliability due to the absence of easily damaged parts.

[0007] Furthermore, the feeding device includes a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a feeding rotor; the transmission mechanism is a gear transmission mechanism, including a small gear and a large gear meshing with each other for speed reduction and torque increase; the feeding rotor is divided into multiple equal feeding compartments, and the drive mechanism drives the feeding rotor to rotate to achieve quantitative feeding. By replacing the reducer design with a gear transmission mechanism, the cost is greatly reduced. Dividing the feeding rotor into equal feeding compartments achieves discrete quantitative feeding, enabling precise and controllable feeding quantity. Combined with water-to-feed ratio control logic, precise feeding is achieved.

[0008] Furthermore, the drainage device is equipped with a flow detection device, which is used to detect the drainage volume and is electrically connected to the control system. The flow detection device includes a flow detection rotor and a position detection sensor. The position detection sensor is used to detect the number of rotations of the flow detection rotor to obtain a pulse count, and then calculate the drainage volume based on the pulse count and the water volume corresponding to each pulse.

[0009] Furthermore, the position detection sensor is provided in two parts, spaced apart circumferentially along the flow detection rotor, to detect the forward and reverse rotation of the flow detection rotor, and to eliminate interference signals when the flow detection rotor is detected to be rotating in reverse. The flow detection rotor detects the flow rate, and the dual position detection sensors simultaneously detect both forward and reverse rotation. When the rotor rotates in reverse, backflow interference signals are eliminated to accurately measure the flow rate, thereby improving the accuracy of the feed ratio control.

[0010] Furthermore, there is only one feeding device and one drainage device. The two discharge ports of the feeding device correspond one-to-one with the two water outlets of the drainage device, and correspond to the first material level and the second material level, respectively. Each water outlet has a water level control device and a flow detection device on its upper drainage pipe, and each water level control device and flow detection device corresponds to the first material level and the second material level, respectively. Thus, one set of equipment serves two material levels, saving space and cost, and the independent control of the two sections eliminates crosstalk.

[0011] Furthermore, the flow detection device is equipped with a detachable maintenance door for maintenance in case of malfunction. The control system includes a control board, a wireless communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, and a near-field communication module. The maintenance door design facilitates maintenance and reduces costs. The wireless communication and short-range wireless communication modules enable remote intelligent management, ensuring convenient and safe operation and maintenance. The near-field communication module features functions such as Bluetooth broadcast inspection, NFC touch control, and local OTA upgrades, ensuring uninterrupted operation even during network outages, thus achieving stable cloud and local communication.

[0012] A second aspect of this invention discloses an intelligent feeding method, comprising the following steps: When the water level in the trough drops and exposes the outlet of the drain device, the water level control device automatically starts the drain using atmospheric pressure difference; the drain device drains water into the trough and feeds back the detected amount of water to the control system; When the water level in the trough submerges the outlet of the drainage device, the water level control device automatically shuts off and stops drainage using atmospheric pressure difference; The control system calculates the required material quantity based on the detected water flow and the preset water-to-material ratio, and drives the feeding device to feed the material according to the calculated quantity.

[0013] Furthermore, the method for detecting the amount of water discharged is as follows: the drainage device is equipped with a flow detection device, which contains a flow detection rotor and a position detection sensor. The water flow drives the flow detection rotor to rotate, and the flow discharge is calculated by detecting the number of rotations of the flow detection rotor through the position detection sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the method is applied to a dual-level independent control mode: When feeding material at the first material level, the flow detection device detects the amount of water flowing into the first material level and feeds it back to the control system. The control system then controls the feeding device to feed material into the first material level. When feeding material to the second material level, the flow detection device detects the amount of water flowing into the second material level and feeds it back to the control system. The control system then controls the feeding device to feed material into the second material level. The two material feeding points are independently monitored for water discharge and controlled for material feeding.

[0015] Furthermore, the control system connects to the server via a wireless communication module to achieve data reporting and remote control parameters; the method also includes a near-field wireless communication inspection step and a near-field communication security authentication step, and the feeding operation continues locally when the network is disconnected. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the intelligent feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device and the water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure after the shell is concealed; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the intelligent feeding method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Water level control device; 2. Drainage device; 21. Inlet; 22. Outlet; 23. Drainage pipe; 3. Material trough; 4. Feeding device; 5. Drive mechanism; 6. Transmission mechanism; 7. Feeding rotor; 8. Flow detection device; 9. Inspection door; 10. Feeding pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] Example 1: like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment discloses an intelligent feeding device, including a water level control device 1, a water discharge device 2, a feeding device 4, a feed trough 3, and a control system. The water discharge device 2 includes a water discharge pipe 23, on which the water level control device 1 is provided. The outlet of the water discharge pipe 23 faces the feed trough 3. The feeding device 4 includes a feeding pipe 10, the outlet of which faces the feed trough 3.

[0021] The working principle of the water level control device 1 relies entirely on atmospheric pressure difference and gravity. It does not require any sensors to detect the water level or any solenoid valve to control the water flow, thus realizing passive automatic water level control.

[0022] The specific work process is as follows: Water discharge stage: When the water level in the material tank 3 is low, the outlet of the drain pipe 23 is exposed above the water surface; at this time, water from the external water pipe enters the material tank 3 through the water level control device 1, the water level control device 1 is in the open state, and the water flows smoothly. Stopping the water flow stage: When the water level in the material tank 3 rises and submerges the outlet of the drain pipe 23, the outlet is sealed by water; at this time, a negative pressure (lower than the external atmospheric pressure) is formed inside the water level control device 1, and the water level control device 1 automatically closes the air inlet using the atmospheric pressure difference, and the water flow stops. Resumption of drainage stage: When the water level in the trough 3 drops and the outlet of the drainage device is exposed, outside air enters the water level control device 1 through the outlet of the drainage pipe 23, the negative pressure disappears, and the water level control device 1 automatically opens the air inlet using the atmospheric pressure difference, and drainage is restored.

[0023] The above process is completed automatically entirely by atmospheric pressure difference and gravity, without the need for any sensors to detect water level, any solenoid valves to control water flow, or any instructions from the control system.

[0024] It should be noted that the water level control device 1 can be a siphon disc structure, a diaphragm valve structure, or an air valve structure, etc., all of which use atmospheric pressure difference to automatically control the start and stop of water supply. It includes a shell and a diaphragm, and is a pig water level controller disclosed in the prior art. The specific principle will not be described in detail.

[0025] The feeding device 4 is used to output feed to the feed trough 3. The feeding device 4 is located above the feed trough 3. An external tubular chain delivers the feed to the feeding device 4, and the feeding device 4 outputs the feed quantitatively to the feed trough 3.

[0026] Example 2 like Figure 3 As shown, the feeding device 4 includes a drive mechanism 5, a transmission mechanism 6, and a feeding rotor 7. The drive mechanism 5 is a motor, which can be a DC motor, an AC motor, a stepper motor, etc. It is preferred to use a DC motor or a stepper motor because DC motors and stepper motors are easy to control and have low cost. The motor output shaft is connected to the transmission mechanism 6 to drive the transmission mechanism 6 to operate.

[0027] The transmission mechanism 6 is a gear transmission mechanism, including a small gear and a large gear that mesh with each other. The small gear is connected to the motor output shaft and rotates with the motor output shaft. The large gear is connected to the unloading rotor 7 and drives the unloading rotor 7 to rotate. The gear transmission mechanism is equivalent to a speed reducer, which can reduce the speed and increase the torque. Compared with a speed reducer, the gear transmission mechanism has lower cost, higher transmission efficiency, compact structure, and simple maintenance.

[0028] The feeding rotor 7 is divided into multiple equal feeding compartments, typically 4-12, preferably 6-8. Each compartment has an equal volume, designed according to the required feeding volume per cycle. The feeding rotor 7 is located in the feeding chamber, the upper part of which is connected to an external tubular chain that delivers feed to the chamber. The lower part of the feeding chamber has a feeding port connected to a feeding pipe 10, which extends above the feed trough 3.

[0029] Working principle of feeding rotor 7: The external tubular chain delivers feed to the feeding chamber, and the feed fills each feeding compartment of feeding rotor 7; the motor drives the small gear to rotate, the small gear drives the large gear to rotate, and the large gear drives feeding rotor 7 to rotate; when feeding rotor 7 rotates, the feeding compartments rotate one by one. When the feeding compartment rotates to the position where the compartment opening faces downward, the feed in the feeding compartment falls through the feeding port into the feeding pipe 10 and into the feed trough 3; every time feeding rotor 7 rotates one compartment, the feed in the next compartment falls into the feed trough 3; that is, by controlling the number of compartments rotated by feeding rotor 7, the feeding amount is controlled.

[0030] Following the above embodiment, specifically, the feeding device 4 is equipped with a position detection sensor (Hall sensor). The position detection sensor detects the number of rotations of the feeding rotor 7. The position detection sensor is installed near the feeding rotor 7, and each feeding compartment of the feeding rotor 7 is equipped with a detection mark (such as a magnet). When the feeding compartment rotates to the detection position, the position detection sensor detects the magnet and sends a pulse signal to the control system.

[0031] Two position detection sensors are provided, which are installed on both sides of the feeding rotor 7 respectively. The two position detection sensors are redundantly designed to prevent the failure of a single sensor from causing the failure to detect.

[0032] It should be noted that the feeding amount = volume of each feeding compartment × number of pulses detected. The control system calculates the feeding amount based on the pulse signals from the position detection sensor, and stops the motor after the target feeding amount is reached, thus achieving precise feeding.

[0033] Example 3 Compared with Example 1, in order to better achieve feed ratio control and accurately control the amount of water discharged, the intelligent feeding equipment also includes a flow detection device 8 electrically connected to the control system. This device is used to detect the amount of water discharged and feed the water discharge information back to the control system. The flow detection device 8 is equipped with a flow detection rotor and a position detection sensor (such as a Hall sensor). The flow detection rotor rotates when water flows through it. The position detection sensor is used to detect the number of rotations of the flow detection rotor to obtain a pulse count. Then, the amount of water discharged is calculated based on the pulse count and the amount of water corresponding to each pulse. The flow detection rotor has an impeller structure with multiple blades. The number of blades is generally 4-8, preferably 6. The blades rotate under force when water flows through them.

[0034] The flow detection rotor is installed in the flow detection chamber. One end of the flow detection chamber is connected to an external water pipe through the inlet 21, and the other end is connected to the water level control device 1 through the outlet 22. Water flows into the flow detection chamber from the external water pipe, driving the flow detection rotor to rotate, and then enters the material tank 3 through the water level control device 1 and the drain pipe 23.

[0035] Following the above embodiment, preferably, the flow detection device 8 is provided with two position detection sensors for detecting the forward and reverse rotation of the flow detection rotor.

[0036] When the flow detection rotor rotates forward (in the direction of water flow) or reverse (in the direction of return flow), two position detection sensors detect and emit pulse signals. Compared to a single position detection sensor, which can only emit a pulse signal when it detects rotation but cannot determine whether the rotation is forward or reverse, measuring if it is reverse would affect the calculation of water flow. Therefore, by using the logic of the two position detection sensors sensing in sequence, it is possible to deduce whether it is forward or reverse rotation, thereby eliminating interference signals. For example, the two position detection sensors are named Sensor A and Sensor B. When rotating forward, the water flow drives the rotor to rotate in the forward direction → Sensor A is triggered first → Sensor B is triggered later → the phase difference is positive. When rotating in reverse, water flow fluctuations or interference cause the rotor to rotate in the reverse direction → Sensor B is triggered first → Sensor A is triggered later → the phase difference is negative. By detecting the phase difference between the signals from the two sensors, the direction of rotor rotation can be determined, thereby distinguishing between normal water flow and interference signals.

[0037] The flow detection rotor is equipped with detection marks (such as magnets), and two position detection sensors emit pulse signals when they detect the magnets.

[0038] The flow rate is calculated as: flow rate per revolution × number of forward revolutions of the flow detection rotor. The flow rate per revolution is determined by the calibration of the flow detection device 8. For example, if the flow detection device 8 is calibrated to a flow rate of 10 ml per revolution, and the flow detection rotor rotates 100 times forward, the flow rate is 1000 ml.

[0039] Working principle of the flow detection rotor: During normal water flow, water flows into the flow detection chamber from the external water pipe through the inlet 21, and the flow detection rotor rotates forward; the position detection sensor detects the forward rotation pulse and records the water flow; when backflow occurs, the water flow direction is reversed, the flow detection rotor rotates in reverse, the position detection sensor detects the reverse rotation pulse, which is determined to be a reverse rotation pulse (interference signal), and the pulse signal is discarded and not recorded in the water flow, ensuring accurate water flow measurement.

[0040] Example 4 like Figure 1As shown, the intelligent feeding equipment adopts a one-to-two structure, with one set of equipment serving two feeding positions. There is one feeding device 4 and one watering device 2. The two discharge ports of the feeding device 4 correspond one-to-one with the two water outlets of the watering device 2, respectively corresponding to the first and second feeding positions. Each water outlet has a water level control device 1 and a flow detection device 8 on its upper end water pipe 23, each corresponding to the first and second feeding positions. The two discharge ports can be named the first discharge port and the second discharge port, the two water level control devices 1 can be named the first water level control device and the second water level control device, and the two flow detection devices 8 can be named the first flow detection device and the second flow detection device. The two discharge ports are connected to two feeding pipes 10, which can be named the first feeding pipe and the second feeding pipe.

[0041] The first discharge port corresponds to the first material level and is connected to the first material level via the first discharge pipe. The second discharge port corresponds to the second material level and is connected to the second material level via the second discharge pipe. When the discharge rotor 7 rotates, the feed is output from different discharge ports depending on the direction of rotation (forward or reverse). For example, when the motor rotates forward, the discharge rotor 7 rotates forward, and the feed is output from the first discharge port and enters the first material level; when the motor rotates in reverse, the discharge rotor rotates in reverse, and the feed is output from the second discharge port and enters the second material level.

[0042] The structural design of the feeding rotor 7 allows for normal feeding in both forward and reverse rotation. Specifically, the feeding grids are symmetrically distributed, the feeding cavity is equipped with a bidirectional discharge structure, and the feeding port is equipped with a diversion structure, which guides the feed to different discharge ports according to the rotation direction of the feeding rotor 7.

[0043] There are two water level control devices 1, each corresponding to a different material level. The first water level control device corresponds to the first material level and is connected to the first material level through the first drain pipe. The second water level control device corresponds to the second material level and is connected to the second material level through the second drain pipe. The first water level control device and the second water level control device work independently to detect and control the water level of the first material level and the second material level, respectively.

[0044] The control system controls the forward and reverse rotation of the motor to feed materials to different positions. The specific logic is as follows: When feeding material to the first material level: the first water level control device detects the water level at the first material level and automatically controls the start and stop of the water supply; the first flow detection device detects the amount of water flowing to the first material level and feeds it back to the control system; the control system calculates the required amount of material to be fed based on the amount of water and the water-to-material ratio; the control system controls the motor to rotate forward, and the feeding device feeds material to the first material level, thus completing the feeding process at the first material level.

[0045] When feeding material to the second material level: the second water level control device detects the water level of the second material level and automatically controls the start and stop of the water supply; the second flow detection device detects the amount of water flowing to the second material level and feeds it back to the control system; the control system calculates the required amount of material to be fed based on the amount of water and the water-to-material ratio; the control system controls the motor to reverse, and the feeding device feeds material to the second material level, thus completing the feeding process at the second material level. The two material feeding points are independently monitored for water discharge and controlled for material feeding, without interference between them, ensuring accurate metering.

[0046] Following the above embodiment, a more preferable feature is that the flow detection device 8 is provided with a detachable maintenance door 9 for maintenance when the flow detection device 8 malfunctions. The maintenance door 9 is located on the side or top of the flow detection chamber, facilitating inspection of internal components such as the flow detection rotor. The maintenance door 9 is connected to the flow detection chamber via a threaded connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, or a flange connection; a threaded connection is preferred because it offers good sealing and easy disassembly.

[0047] Example 5 The control system includes a control board, a wireless communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, and a near-field communication module. The control board is the core of the control system, responsible for receiving signals, processing data, and issuing control commands. The control board includes a processor, memory, and input / output interfaces. The wireless communication module connects to a cloud server to report data and remotely control parameters. Wireless communication methods include WiFi, 4G, and 5G, with WiFi being the preferred choice due to its low cost, wide coverage, and ease of deployment. The communication protocol is MQTT, a lightweight message queuing protocol suitable for IoT devices.

[0048] The control system reports feeding data to the cloud server in real time via a wireless communication module. The reported data includes: water dispensing time, water volume, feeding time, feed volume, water-to-feed ratio setpoint, actual feed volume, and equipment status (normal or faulty) during the feeding period. The cloud server sends control commands to the control system via the wireless communication module to adjust feeding parameters, including the water-to-feed ratio setpoint, feeding period, upper and lower limits of feed volume, and equipment operating mode.

[0049] Short-range wireless communication modules are used for routine inspections. Maintenance personnel connect to equipment via these modules to perform inspections, fault diagnosis, and parameter viewing. Short-range wireless communication methods include Bluetooth and ZigBee, with Bluetooth being the preferred choice due to its low cost, widespread mobile phone compatibility, and ease of operation.

[0050] The inspection functions include: viewing equipment status, such as water status, feeding status, and fault status; viewing feeding parameters, such as water-to-feed ratio settings, feeding time period, and feeding amount; viewing feeding records, such as historical feeding data; fault diagnosis, such as fault type, fault cause, and fault time; and parameter adjustment, such as temporarily adjusting feeding parameters.

[0051] The near-field communication module is used for security authentication. Maintenance personnel use the near-field communication module to authenticate their identity and obtain device operation permissions.

[0052] Near-field communication methods include NFC and RFID, with NFC being the preferred choice because it is low-cost, supported by mobile phones, and easy to operate (simply tap).

[0053] When the network is disconnected (the wireless communication module cannot connect to the cloud server), the control system continues to perform feeding operations according to locally stored parameters, without affecting normal production. Specifically, the control system checks whether the wireless communication module is connected to the cloud server; if the connection is normal, the control system operates normally, reports data to the cloud server, and receives remote control parameters; if the connection is lost (network outage), the control system switches to local mode. In local mode, the control system performs feeding operations according to locally stored feeding parameters (water-to-feed ratio, feeding time, etc.), and the feeding data is stored in local memory; when the network is restored, the control system reports the feeding data stored during the network outage period to the cloud server in batches.

[0054] Therefore, this application has the advantages of not affecting feeding operations when the network is disconnected, ensuring production continuity, and preventing data loss.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, another aspect of the present invention discloses an intelligent feeding method, comprising the following steps: Step S1: When the water level in the trough 3 drops and exposes the outlet of the drain device 2, the water level control device 1 automatically starts the drain using atmospheric pressure difference; the drain device 2 drains water into the trough 3 and feeds back the detected amount of water to the control system. Step S2: When the water level in the material tank 3 submerges the outlet of the water discharge device 2, the water level control device 1 automatically shuts off and stops the water discharge using atmospheric pressure difference; Step S3: The control system calculates the required material quantity based on the detected water flow and the preset water-to-material ratio, and drives the feeding device 4 to feed the material according to the calculated quantity.

[0056] The specific process is as described in Example 1, which describes the process of starting or stopping the water supply. The water level control device 1 does not require a sensor to detect the water level. The operation of the water level control device 1 is completed automatically by relying entirely on atmospheric pressure difference and gravity. It does not require any sensor to detect the water level, any solenoid valve to control the water flow, or any instructions from the control system.

[0057] The flow detection device 8 detects the flow rate. The flow detection device 8 is equipped with a flow detection rotor. The water flow drives the flow detection rotor to rotate. The flow rate is calculated by detecting the number of rotations of the flow detection rotor and fed back to the control system. Preferably, the flow detection device 8 is equipped with two position detection sensors to detect the forward and reverse rotation of the flow detection rotor. When the reverse rotation of the flow detection rotor is detected, the interference signal is eliminated.

[0058] The process of calculating the discharge volume is as follows: water from the external water pipe enters the flow detection chamber of the flow detection device 8; the water flow drives the flow detection rotor to rotate; for each rotation of the flow detection rotor, the position detection sensor detects the detection mark (magnet) and sends a pulse signal to obtain the pulse count, and then calculates the discharge volume based on the pulse count and the water volume corresponding to the unit pulse.

[0059] The working process of the control system is as follows: Receive the flow rate data fed back by the flow detection device 1; Calculate the required material quantity based on the water flow rate and the preset water-to-material ratio; Control the motor to rotate the corresponding number of revolutions, driving the feeding rotor 7 to rotate; As the feeding rotor 7 rotates one grid, the next grid of feed falls into the feed trough 3; The control system calculates the material feeding amount based on the pulse signals from the position detection sensor; The motor stops once the target material feeding amount is reached.

[0060] It should be noted that during the pigs' feeding process, when the liquid level in the feed trough 3 drops and exposes the outlet of the drainage device 2, the water level control device 1 automatically opens the drainage, repeating steps S1-S3 to achieve continuous feeding.

[0061] Example 6 The steps for controlling the feeding device 4 to feed materials include: 1. The control system calculates the required feed amount based on the detected water volume and the preset water-to-feed ratio. The calculation formula is: Feed amount = Water volume ÷ Water-to-feed ratio. The water-to-feed ratio is set according to factors such as the pig's growth stage and feed type. It can be set locally through the control system or remotely through the cloud server.

[0062] 2. The control system drives the feeding device 4 to feed according to the calculated feeding amount. The specific process is as follows: the control system controls the motor to start and the motor rotates forward; the motor drives the feeding rotor 7 to rotate; for each rotation of the feeding rotor 7, the next piece of feed falls into the feed trough 3; the position detection sensor detects the number of rotations of the feeding rotor 7 and sends a pulse signal; the control system calculates the feeding amount based on the pulse signal, and when the feeding amount reaches the calculated target feeding amount, the control system stops the motor, and the feeding is completed.

[0063] Example 7 The method is applied to the dual-level independent control mode: When feeding material at the first material level: the first water level control device detects the water level at the first material level and automatically controls the start and stop of the water supply; the first flow detection device detects the water flow rate at the first material level; the control system calculates the required material supply based on the water flow rate and the water-to-material ratio; the control system controls the feeding device 4 to feed material to the first material level (motor rotates forward). When feeding material at the second material level: the second water level control device detects the water level at the second material level and automatically controls the start and stop of the water supply; the second flow detection device detects the water flow at the second material level; the control system calculates the required material supply based on the water flow and the water-to-material ratio; the control system controls the feeding device 4 to feed material to the second material level (motor reverses).

[0064] Therefore, the two material feeding points are independently monitored for water discharge and controlled for material discharge, without interfering with each other.

[0065] Example 8 The control system connects to the cloud server via a wireless communication module. The specific connection process is as follows: the control system starts the wireless communication module; the wireless communication module searches for available WiFi networks; the wireless communication module connects to the WiFi network; the wireless communication module connects to the cloud server via the MQTT protocol; after a successful connection, the control system establishes a communication channel with the cloud server.

[0066] The control system reports data, and the specific reporting process is as follows: the control system records data for each feeding (water dispensing time, water volume, feed dispensing time, feed volume, water-to-feed ratio, etc.); the control system reports the data to the cloud server through the wireless communication module; the cloud server receives and stores the data; the cloud server analyzes the data and generates a feeding report.

[0067] The cloud server enables remote control of parameters. The specific control process is as follows: the user sets feeding parameters (water-to-feed ratio, feeding time, etc.) through the cloud server's management interface; the cloud server sends the parameters to the control system; the control system receives the parameters and updates the parameters stored locally; the control system executes the feeding operation according to the new parameters.

[0068] The short-range wireless communication inspection steps are as follows: Maintenance personnel hold their mobile phones close to the equipment; the mobile phones connect to the short-range wireless communication mode via Bluetooth; maintenance personnel use their mobile phones to view equipment status, feeding parameters, feeding records, etc.; maintenance personnel use their mobile phones to diagnose faults; and maintenance personnel use their mobile phones to temporarily adjust feeding parameters.

[0069] The authentication process for near-field communication security is as follows: Maintenance personnel tap their NFC card or NFC-enabled mobile phone against the near-field communication module; the near-field communication module reads the maintenance personnel's identity information; the control system verifies the legitimacy of the identity information; if the identity is legitimate, the control system authorizes the maintenance personnel to operate the equipment; after authorization, the maintenance personnel can operate the equipment (adjust parameters, start / stop the equipment, etc.).

[0070] When the network is disconnected, the control system continues to perform feeding operations locally. The specific process is as follows: the control system detects whether the wireless communication module is connected to the cloud server; if the connection is lost (network outage), the control system switches to local mode; in local mode, the control system performs feeding operations according to the feeding parameters stored locally; the feeding data is stored in the local memory; when the network is restored, the control system reports the feeding data stored during the network outage to the cloud server in batches.

[0071] The workflow of the intelligent feeding device and method of the present invention is as follows: System startup: Control system startup, initializes various components; Cloud connectivity: The control system connects to the cloud server via a wireless communication module; Parameter settings: Feeding parameters (water-to-feed ratio, feeding time, etc.) are sent from the cloud server; First material feeding: The first water level control device detects the water level at the first material level and automatically controls the start and stop of the water supply; the first flow detection device detects the water flow rate; the control system controls the feeding device 4 to feed material to the first material level. Second material feeding: The second water level control device detects the water level at the second material level; automatically controls the start and stop of the water supply; the second flow detection device detects the water flow rate; the control system controls the feeding device 4 to feed material to the second material level. Data reporting: The control system reports feeding data to the cloud server; Cyclic execution: Continuous feeding until the end of the feeding period; Operation and maintenance inspection: Operation and maintenance personnel conduct inspections via Bluetooth and NFC authentication.

[0072] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. Cost reduction effect: The water level control device 1 uses atmospheric pressure difference to automatically control the start and stop of water supply, eliminating the need for sensors to detect water level and fundamentally solving the technical problems of easy damage and high cost of probe sensors; it eliminates the need for solenoid valves, saving solenoid valve costs; gear transmission replaces reducers, saving reducer costs; the one-to-two structure allows one set of equipment to serve two material levels, saving equipment costs. 2. Improved reliability: No sensors or easily damaged parts, resulting in improved reliability and maintenance-free operation; no metal parts of the siphon disc come into contact with water, making it less prone to damage and adaptable to the extreme environments of pig farms; continuous trouble-free operation for ≥8000 hours, ensuring a long service life; 3. Precise control effect: The feeding is controlled according to the water volume and water-to-material ratio, and the water-to-material ratio is precisely controlled; the flow detection dual Hall effect detects forward and reverse rotation, and the water volume is accurately measured; the feeding rotor has equal feeding grids, and the feeding volume is accurately measured; the dual material level independent control ensures accurate measurement without crosstalk. 4. Intelligent features: Direct cloud connection for remote intelligent management; Bluetooth inspection for convenient operation and maintenance; NFC authentication for secure equipment operation; and network outage adaptive design to ensure uninterrupted operation.

[0073] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An intelligent feeding device, characterized in that, include: The drainage device is used to deliver water into the trough and is electrically connected to the control system to feed back the detected drainage volume to the control system. A water level control device is installed on the drainage device to automatically control the start and stop of drainage according to the liquid level in the trough. The water level control device is configured to automatically close and stop drainage when the water level in the trough submerges the outlet of the drainage device using atmospheric pressure difference, and to automatically open drainage when the water level in the trough drops and exposes the outlet of the drainage device using atmospheric pressure difference. The feeding device is used to output feed into the feed trough and is electrically connected to the control system; The feed trough is located below the feeding device and the watering device to receive the feed and water output from the feeding device and the watering device. The control system is used to control the feeding device to feed materials based on the water volume and the preset water-to-material ratio.

2. The intelligent feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding device includes a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a feeding rotor; the transmission mechanism is a gear transmission mechanism, including a small gear and a large gear that mesh with each other, used for speed reduction and torque increase; the feeding rotor is divided into multiple equal feeding compartments, and the drive mechanism drives the feeding rotor to rotate to achieve quantitative feeding.

3. The intelligent feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage device is equipped with a flow detection device, which is used to detect the drainage volume and is electrically connected to the control system. The flow detection device includes a flow detection rotor and a position detection sensor. The position detection sensor is used to detect the number of rotations of the flow detection rotor to obtain a pulse count, and then calculate the drainage volume based on the pulse count and the water volume corresponding to each pulse.

4. The intelligent feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The position detection sensor is provided in two parts and is distributed at intervals along the circumference of the flow detection rotor. It is used to detect the forward and reverse rotation of the flow detection rotor and to eliminate interference signals when the reverse rotation of the flow detection rotor is detected.

5. The intelligent feeding device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The feeding device and the water discharge device are both one unit. The two discharge ports of the feeding device correspond one-to-one with the two water discharge ports of the water discharge device, and correspond to the first material position and the second material position respectively. Each of the outlets is equipped with a water level control device and a flow detection device on the upper end of the drain pipe, and each of the water level control device and the flow detection device corresponds to the first material level and the second material level, respectively.

6. The intelligent feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow detection device is equipped with a detachable maintenance door for maintenance when the flow detection device malfunctions; the control system includes a control board, a wireless communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, and a near-field communication module.

7. An intelligent feeding method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When the water level in the trough drops and exposes the outlet of the drain device, the water level control device automatically starts the drain using atmospheric pressure difference; the drain device drains water into the trough and feeds back the detected amount of water to the control system; When the water level in the trough submerges the outlet of the drainage device, the water level control device automatically shuts off and stops drainage using atmospheric pressure difference; The control system calculates the required material quantity based on the detected water flow and the preset water-to-material ratio, and drives the feeding device to feed the material according to the calculated quantity.

8. The intelligent feeding method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method for detecting the amount of water discharged is as follows: the drainage device is equipped with a flow detection device, which contains a flow detection rotor and a position detection sensor. The water flow drives the flow detection rotor to rotate, and the flow discharge is calculated by detecting the number of rotations of the flow detection rotor through the position detection sensor.

9. The intelligent feeding method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method is applied to a dual-level independent control mode: When feeding material at the first material level, the flow detection device detects the amount of water flowing into the first material level and feeds it back to the control system. The control system then controls the feeding device to feed material into the first material level. When feeding material to the second material level, the flow detection device detects the amount of water flowing into the second material level and feeds it back to the control system. The control system then controls the feeding device to feed material into the second material level. The two material feeding points are independently monitored for water discharge and controlled for material feeding.

10. The intelligent feeding method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control system connects to the server via a wireless communication module to achieve data reporting and remote control parameters; the method also includes a near-field wireless communication inspection step and a near-field communication security authentication step, and the feeding operation continues locally when the network is disconnected.

Images