A dual-state force switching lick brick individual feeding monitoring device and method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of double-state force switching lick brick individual feeding monitoring device and method.Under the condition of weighing, the weighing contact piece (85) of floating bearing frame (4) is supported on static weighing sensor (7), and gap is left between force seat (83) and floating bearing frame (4);In the state of licking, locking piece (82) generates unloading stroke, so that the unloading gap between weighing contact piece (85) and static weighing sensor (7) is formed, and licking force bypass through force seat (83) is established, and dynamic force sensor (9) on bypass collects licking signal.Controller confirms force path state according to state detection piece (86), and obtains stable weight before and after licking and calculates individual single feeding amount.Solids-liquid separation receiving disc (10) retains solid debris within the weighing boundary and directs liquid out, and double directional antenna combines head detection to determine target ear tag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of intelligent monitoring of livestock breeding, electronic identification of animals, micro-weighing and Internet of Things data acquisition technology, specifically to a device, system and method for identifying the licking behavior of individual ruminants such as cattle and sheep and measuring the amount of food consumed in a single instance and cumulatively. Background Technology

[0002] Licks are a common block-shaped feed supplement for ruminants such as cattle and sheep to obtain salt, minerals, and other nutrients. In existing pens, licks are usually fixed to supports or near feed troughs. Farmers rely on manually observing the remaining amount of licks to understand the group's consumption, making it difficult to obtain information on the number of times each animal licks, the duration of licking, and the actual amount of feed consumed by each individual animal.

[0003] For example, patent application CN107728513A discloses the use of electronic ear tags, sensors, and networking modules to collect data on sheep licking food bricks; patent application WO2000065905A1 discloses the measurement of animal feed intake by the weight difference between quiet periods before and after feeding, and the setting of an overload limiting structure. These solutions provide a foundation for identification and steady-state differential weighing, but they do not solve the problem of high-precision static weighing sensors continuously being subjected to top pressure and lateral disturbances during each licking cycle in the measurement of minute weight loss from food brick licking.

[0004] The feeding method of sheep licking bricks differs from that of ordinary pelleted feed: the single mass change of a sheep licking a brick is relatively small, and the dynamic force generated when sheep lick or butt the brick is much greater than the weight change of the licked-off portion. Even with only a mechanical overload limit, the static weighing sensor still bears the dynamic load before the force reaches the limit gap; if the limit component and the load-bearing component are in contact simultaneously, uncertain parallel forces may be formed, affecting the consistency of the weight baseline before and after licking.

[0005] Furthermore, during the licking process, solid debris may fall off, saliva or washing water may enter the weighing area, and the electronic ear tags of adjacent sheep may be read simultaneously. If fallen but uneaten solid debris is directly considered as weight loss from licking, or if weight differences are allocated based solely on a single ear tag reading, errors will occur in attributing and measuring individual feed intake. Therefore, a monitoring device and method are needed that can isolate significant dynamic external forces during sheep licking, restore precise static weighing after the sheep leave, and handle interference from solid debris, liquids, and multiple ear tags. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problems to be solved

[0007] This application aims to solve the problems of existing brick licking monitoring devices, such as difficulty in accurately measuring dynamic licking force and minute mass changes, easy miscounting of fallen debris as feed intake, easy misattribution of electronic ear tags when multiple sheep are close together, and easy data loss when the network is abnormal.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] To address the aforementioned issues, the system comprises a fixed frame 1, a limited feeding port 2, an entrance detector 3, a floating support frame 4, a licking brick 5, a licking brick fixing assembly 6, a static weighing sensor 7, a load-bearing switching assembly 8, a dynamic force sensor 9, a solid-liquid separation receiving tray 10, a liquid collection box 11, an electronic ear tag reader assembly 12, an RF shield 13, an inner head detector 14, a controller 15, an environmental sensor 16, a local storage and wireless communication assembly 17, a fixed base 18, a guide and overload protection assembly 19, and a controllable barrier gate 23. The load-bearing switching assembly 8 includes a drive component 81, a locking component 82, a load-bearing seat 83, a repeatable positioning component 84, a weighing contact component 85, and a status detection component 86.

[0010] In the weighing state, locking member 82 disengages, and weighing contact member 85 is supported on the force-bearing end of static load cell 7. A bypass gap remains between floating support frame 4 and load-bearing seat 83. The licking brick 5 and the components weighed together form a weighing force path only through static load cell 7. In the licking state, locking member 82 generates an unloading stroke and slightly lifts or wedges the floating support frame 4 laterally, causing weighing contact member 85 to separate from the force-bearing end of static load cell 7, forming an unloading gap. Floating support frame 4 forms a licking force bypass through locking member 82, load-bearing seat 83, and fixed frame 1. Thus, the two force paths are not in parallel state where they simultaneously share the load. Dynamic force sensor 9 is arranged on the licking force bypass to collect licking force or vibration pulses.

[0011] The solid-liquid separation receiving plate 10 and the licking brick 5 are installed together on the floating support frame 4. The solid interception part 101 retains the solid debris that falls off the licking brick 5, keeping it within the weighing boundary. The liquid guiding part 102 guides liquids such as saliva and washing water to the liquid collection box 11, which is not supported by the static weighing sensor 7.

[0012] The electronic ear tag reading component 12 preferably includes a first directional antenna 121 and a second directional antenna 122 located on both sides of the restricted feeding opening 2. The controller 15 combines the reading signals from the two antennas with the time relationship between the entry detector 3, the inner head detector 14, and the dynamic force sensor 9 to determine the electronic ear tag 20 of the animal actually licking the food. The local storage and wireless communication component 17 can communicate with a remote server 21 via a wireless network, and the user terminal 22 is used to view the device status and feeding statistics.

[0013] The monitoring method obtains the stable weight before licking in an unmanned state, and then locks the load switching component 8; during licking, the licking behavior is recorded according to the dynamic force signal; after the sheep leaves, the lock is released and the stable weight after licking is obtained. The single feeding amount corresponding to the electronic ear tag 20 is obtained through steady-state differential, environmental drift compensation and event validity judgment.

[0014] Beneficial effects

[0015] By actively generating the unloading stroke, the static weighing sensor forms an unloading gap with the floating support frame during the licking process, thus avoiding the uncertain parallel connection of the static weighing force path and the licking load bypass force path.

[0016] By separating dynamic licking detection and static mass measurement into different force paths and different working states, licking action signals and stable weight before and after licking can be obtained separately.

[0017] Incorporating the licking brick and the solid debris receiving structure into the same weighing boundary, and draining the liquid out of this weighing boundary, can reduce the feeding error caused by falling solid debris and liquid residue.

[0018] By using dual-directional antennas, sheep head position, and licking signals to identify target sheep, misattribution caused by ear tags of adjacent sheep can be reduced.

[0019] By utilizing local caching, timestamps, and offline data transmission mechanisms, the integrity of long-term monitoring data for animal enclosures can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dual-state load switching and force path.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a closed weighing unit for solid-liquid separation.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ear tag orientation recognition area.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of electrical connections.

[0025] Figure 6 Flowchart for measuring individual licking events.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the remote monitoring system structure.

[0027] Figure 8 An exploded structural diagram of the load-bearing and weighing components.

[0028] Figure 9Detailed view of the load switching, repositioning, overload protection and calibration interface.

[0029] Figure 10 Structural diagram of the enclosure, including the adjustable feeding inlet and protective electrical control box.

[0030] Figure 11 A time series and quality assessment diagram of multiple signals for individual licking events.

[0031] Reference numerals: 1-Fixed frame; 2-Limited feeding port; 3-Inlet detector; 4-Floating support frame; 5-Licking brick; 6-Licking brick fixing assembly; 61-Center positioning rod; 62-Upper clamping component; 63-Lower support component; 7-Static weighing sensor; 8-Force switching assembly; 81-Drive component; 811-Synchronous transmission component; 82-Locking component; 821-Roller driven component; 83-Supporting seat; 84-Repeatable positioning component; 841-Conical surface positioning pair; 842-V-groove positioning pair; 843-Plane positioning pair; 85-Weighing contact component; 86-Status detection component; 861-Weighing status detection component; 862-Licking status detection component; 9-Dynamic force sensor; 10-Solid-liquid separation receiving tray; 101-Solid interception section; 102-Liquid diversion section; 11-Collection box; 12-Electronic ear tag reader assembly; 121-First directional antenna; 122-Second directional antenna; 13-RF shield; 14-Inner head detector; 15-Controller; 16-Environmental sensor; 17-Local storage and wireless communication assembly; 18-Fixed base; 19-Guidance and overload protection assembly; 191-Flexible guide; 192-Overload limiter; 193-Calibration attachment point; 20-Electronic ear tag; 21-Remote server; 22-User terminal; 23-Controllable door; 24-Mounting fastener; 25-Protective electrical control box; 251-Door sealing ring; 26-Terminal block; 27-Waterproof connector. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Example 1: Overall Structure of the Device

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixed frame 1 is installed on the wall, fence, or ground foundation of the enclosure via a fixed base 18. The limiting feeding opening 2 is located on the feeding side of the fixed frame 1. Figure 1 (As shown on the left in Figure A) The width and height of the limiting feeding opening 2 are adjustable, allowing only one sheep to insert its head into the opening at a time. An entrance detector 3 is located outside the limiting feeding opening 2 to detect approach before the sheep's head touches the licking block 5; an inner head detector 14 is located in the area adjacent to the licking block 5 to confirm that the sheep's head has entered the effective licking position.

[0034] This embodiment uses a square licking block 5 weighing approximately 5 kg. The dimensions of the licking block in three directions are approximately 16.2 cm, 15.5 cm, and 10.2 cm, and the diameter of the through hole is approximately 3.2 cm. During assembly, the licking block 5 is rotated so that the axis of the through hole is arranged vertically. The central positioning rod 61 of the licking block fixing assembly 6 passes vertically through the through hole, and the upper clamping member 62 and the lower support member 63 are located above and below the licking block, respectively. The upper clamping member 62 can be adjusted along the central positioning rod 61 to keep the licking blocks with different degrees of wear stable. The dimensions in this embodiment are for illustrating the specific implementation method and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection.

[0035] The accompanying drawings use a combination of orthographic projection and sectional views. To avoid visual confusion between the internal through-hole of the mortise brick and the external positioning and load-bearing structure, the opening and internal wall of the hole on the mortise brick 5 are omitted in all the accompanying drawings. Only the central positioning rod 61, the upper clamping member 62, and the lower support member 63, which are set along the hole axis, are shown. This omission does not mean that the mortise brick does not have a through-hole. Circular symbols in the accompanying drawings, if used for bolts, rollers, positioning pairs, or the effective area of ​​the ram's head, do not indicate a through-hole in the mortise brick.

[0036] Example 2: Dual-state load-bearing switching structure

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the floating support frame 4 is detachably supported on the force-bearing end of the static load cell 7 via the weighing contact 85. The static load cell 7 can be a single-point or cantilever beam load cell with a range of 10 kg to 30 kg, and is connected to a 24-bit weighing acquisition circuit. The guide and overload protection assembly 19 uses parallel flexible sheets, guide rods, and low-friction bushings or other structures that can limit lateral displacement, and is equipped with vertical limit displacement to prevent abnormal impacts from causing the static load cell 7 to exceed its allowable stroke.

[0038] The load-bearing switching assembly 8 includes a drive component 81, two locking components 82 located on both sides of the floating support frame 4, a load-bearing seat 83, a repeating positioning component 84, a weighing contact component 85, and a status detection component 86. In this embodiment, a small geared motor drives the two wedge-shaped locking components 82 via a synchronous shaft; a cam, toggle, or lead screw self-locking mechanism can also be used. When the locking component 82 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the bypass clearance is first eliminated, and then the unloading stroke continues, causing the floating support frame 4 to move upward by approximately 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm. An unloading clearance of approximately 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm is formed between the weighing contact component 85 and the force-bearing end of the static weighing sensor 7. The above values ​​are an example adapted to a 5 kg brick and can be adjusted according to the allowable stroke of the sensor and the stiffness of the mechanism.

[0039] When the two locking elements 82 are engaged, the licking force and top pressure on the floating support frame 4 are transmitted to the fixed frame 1 via the locking elements 82 and the load-bearing seat 83, thus forming a licking load-bearing bypass mechanically separated from the static weighing sensor 7. A dynamic force sensor 9 is installed between at least one locking element 82 and the load-bearing seat 83, or between the load-bearing seat 83 and the fixed frame 1, to collect the licking pulses transmitted along the load-bearing bypass. The status detection element 86 includes a weighing status detection element 861 and a licking status detection element 862, both of which can be microswitches, Hall effect sensors, or proximity switches, respectively confirming that the weighing contact element 85 is reliably seated and that the unloading gap is reliably formed.

[0040] During the sheepless weighing phase, the drive unit 81 disengages the locking unit 82, and the floating support frame 4 returns to the weighing position via the repeating positioning unit 84. The weights of the licking brick 5, the licking brick fixing assembly 6, the floating support frame 4, and the solid-liquid separation receiving plate 10 are measured by the static weighing sensor 7. The repeating positioning unit 84 employs a three-point kinematic positioning structure formed by a conical surface, a V-groove, and a plane to reduce changes in the weighing position after multiple switching operations.

[0041] To prevent sheep from contacting the licking brick 5 before the load-bearing switch is completed, a controllable barrier gate 23 is installed at the limiting feeding opening 2. The outer detection distance of the entrance detector 3 is greater than the travel distance of the sheep's head from the entrance to the licking brick 5; after the entrance detector 3 is triggered, the controller 15 first locks the gate, and then opens the controllable barrier gate 23 after the status detection element 86 confirms that the unloading gap has been formed. After the sheep leaves, the controllable barrier gate 23 is closed first, then the lock is released and the weighing state is restored. If the switch timeout occurs or the states of the two position sensors are contradictory, the controller 15 keeps the controllable barrier gate 23 closed and records the fault event.

[0042] Example 3: Solid-Liquid Separation Weighing Structure

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the solid-liquid separation receiving tray 10 is fixed on the floating support frame 4 and arranged around the bottom of the licking brick 5. The solid interception section 101 can be a corrosion-resistant screen, grid, or concave disc with drainage holes, the aperture of which is selected to retain visible licking brick debris while allowing liquid to pass through. The liquid guide section 102 is located below the solid interception section 101, forming a funnel surface or guide pipe inclined towards the collection box 11. The collection box 11 is fixed on the fixed frame 1, maintaining a gap with the floating support frame 4, and is therefore not within the static gravity path.

[0044] Example 4: Electronic Ear Tag Recognition

[0045] like Figure 4As shown, the first directional antenna 121 and the second directional antenna 122 are located on both sides of the feeding opening 2, and the radio frequency shield 13 defines the identification area. Preferably, the electronic ear tag 20 adopts a 134.2 kHz low-frequency full-duplex or half-duplex electronic tag conforming to the ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 animal identification rules, with the electronic chip encapsulated in a low-temperature resistant and impact-resistant polyurethane ear tag shell; alternatively, a 13.56 MHz or ultra-high frequency electronic ear tag and a corresponding reader can be used. The controller 15 obtains the reading results, signal strength, or reading quality of each electronic ear tag 20 from the two antennas, and performs time matching with the outputs of the entrance detector 3, the inner head detector 14, and the dynamic force sensor 9.

[0046] The electronic ear tag is identified as the target ear tag only when the same electronic ear tag appears continuously within a predetermined time, the inner head detector 14 confirms that the head is in the licking position, and the dynamic force sensor 9 generates a licking signal; if multiple electronic ear tags are read at the same time and the consistency condition cannot be met, the corresponding event is marked as a disputed event.

[0047] Example 5: Control, Communication and Power Supply

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the controller 15 is connected to the entrance detector 3, static weighing sensor 7, dynamic force sensor 9, electronic ear tag reader 12, inner head detector 14, environmental sensor 16, drive unit 81, and local storage and wireless communication component 17. Wireless communication preferably uses 4G or NB-IoT, but LoRa or Wi-Fi can also be used. The device is preferably powered by the enclosure's mains electricity and is equipped with a battery to maintain data storage and communication during power outages.

[0049] Example 6: Modular Assembly and Material Structure

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, the licking brick 5, upper clamping member 62, central positioning rod 61, lower support member 63, floating support frame 4, solid-liquid separation receiving plate 10, weighing contact member 85, static weighing sensor 7, and fixed base 18 are assembled along the same vertical reference. The central positioning rod 61 is preferably a stainless steel round rod with a diameter of 12 mm to 16 mm, with an M12 or M16 thread at its upper end and connected to the lower support member 63 at its lower end via double nuts or a pin. The upper clamping member 62 is a pressure plate with an anti-loosening nut, and a food-contact grade elastic pad is provided on the side of the pressure plate that contacts the licking brick to prevent localized crushing of the licking brick.

[0051] The floating support frame 4 is preferably made of 304 stainless steel plate with a thickness of 3 mm to 5 mm, bent and welded into a box beam, or made of 30 mm × 30 mm × 3 mm stainless steel square tube; the flatness of the bearing surface is preferably no greater than 0.5 mm. The fixed frame 1 can be made of 40 mm × 40 mm × 3 mm hot-dip galvanized square tube or 304 stainless steel square tube. The mounting plate that mates with the load cell, repeat positioning component, and locking component should preferably be machined as a whole after welding to ensure that the left and right load-bearing points are coplanar. All exposed edges are rounded or chamfered to prevent the sheep from being scratched.

[0052] The static weighing module, load switching component, and electrical control box are all designed as detachable modules. The weighing module is fixed inside the frame by no fewer than four mounting fasteners 24. During maintenance, first close the controllable stop door 23, remove the licker brick 5 and the receiving plate 10, and then pull it out from the back of the frame. The liquid collection box 11 is installed by pulling it out along the guide rail. The drain end is equipped with a hose interface, and no hose, cable, or protective sleeve shall be connected across the floating load frame 4 and the fixed frame 1 to form an additional weighing force path.

[0053] Example 7: Details of load switching, repositioning, and overload protection

[0054] like Figure 9 As shown, the driving component 81 simultaneously drives the left and right locking components 82 via the synchronous transmission component 811. The synchronous transmission component 811 can be a left-right rotating screw, a synchronous shaft, or a chain belt mechanism; the roller follower 821 is set in the locking engagement part of the floating support frame 4, so that the sliding friction of the locking component 82 is converted into rolling friction. The working slope angle of the wedge-shaped locking component 82 is preferably 6° to 10°. When entering the licking state, the bypass gap is eliminated first, and then an unloading displacement of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm is generated. The weighing state detection component 861 and the licking state detection component 862 respectively detect the two end positions of the locking components, and together with the driving current or driving time, they constitute the switching confirmation condition.

[0055] The repeatable positioning component 84 includes a conical positioning pair 841, a V-groove positioning pair 842, and a planar positioning pair 843. The conical positioning pair 841 restricts two horizontal degrees of freedom, the V-groove positioning pair 842 restricts one horizontal degree of freedom, and the planar positioning pair 843 restricts the vertical degree of freedom, avoiding over-constraint that could lead to uncertain support during multiple return cycles. The contact parts at the three positioning points are preferably made of hardened stainless steel or bearing steel, with a contact surface hardness of 45 HRC to 58 HRC, and coated with corrosion-resistant grease. After assembly, continuous switching should be performed at least 50 times, and the zero-point repeatability should be within the allowable error range of the selected load cell.

[0056] The flexible guide 191 uses paired parallel springs or thin-plate hinges, allowing only minor vertical displacement of the floating support frame 4. An overload limiter 192 maintains a protective gap with the floating support frame that is greater than the normal weighing displacement but less than the dangerous displacement of the static weighing sensor. The calibration hanging point 193 is located within the weighing boundary and is used to suspend a standard mass block for range calibration. During calibration, the load switching component 8 is in weighing mode, the controllable gate 23 is closed, and the unloaded zero point, known standard mass loading, and unloading verification are performed sequentially.

[0057] Example 8: Enclosure installation, adjustable feeding opening and electrical protection

[0058] like Figure 10 As shown, the limiting feeding opening 2 is adjustable via elongated holes on both sides and mounting fasteners 24. The net width can be adjusted from 220 mm to 320 mm, and the net height from 350 mm to 550 mm. These ranges are for adult sheep and can be adjusted according to breed and body size. The installation height of the licking brick working surface from the pen floor is preferably 650 mm to 850 mm. The fixing frame 1 is secured using chemical anchors, expansion bolts, or fence clamps. After installation, the verticality of the frame's reference plane should preferably not exceed 2 mm / m.

[0059] The protective electrical control box 25 is equipped with a door sealing ring 251, terminal block 26, and waterproof connector 27. The enclosure protection level is preferably not lower than IP65. The low-voltage signal lines of the load cells and detection sensors are laid in separate channels from the power lines of the motor and electromagnetic actuator, and are kept as orthogonal as possible when crossing. The load cell shielding layer is grounded at a single point on the controller. The electrical control box is equipped with independent fuse or open-circuit protection, surge protection, and protective grounding terminals. Exposed metal parts outside the enclosure are reliably equipotentially connected.

[0060] Example 9: Method for Detecting Individual Licking Events

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the steps to complete one licking event are as follows.

[0062] S0: When both the entrance detector 3 and the inner head detector 14 are unmanned, and the weighing status detection component 861 confirms that the weighing contact component 85 is reliably seated, the output of the static weighing sensor 7 is continuously collected; when the data range, change slope and dynamic force sensor 9 output within the sliding time window are less than the corresponding thresholds, the median or truncated average value of the data in that time window is taken as the stable weight W0 before licking.

[0063] S1: When the entry detector 3 detects the sheep approaching before the sheep's head touches the licking brick 5, the controller 15 activates or increases the reading frequency of the electronic ear tag reading component 12 and records the candidate electronic ear tags.

[0064] S2: The controller 15 closes the controllable gate 23 and drives the two locking parts 82 to engage through the drive part 81 and the synchronous transmission part 811, so that the load-bearing switching component 8 switches from the weighing state to the licking state.

[0065] S3: After the licking state detection device 862 confirms the formation of the unloading gap, the controller 15 opens the controllable barrier 23; if the switching timeout or the state of the weighing state detection device 861 contradicts that of the licking state detection device 862, the controllable barrier 23 remains closed and the switching fault is recorded.

[0066] S4: The target electronic ear tag is determined by combining the outputs of the first directional antenna 121, the second directional antenna 122 and the inner head detector 14; the force switching component 8 remains locked, the dynamic force sensor 9 collects the licking action signal, and obtains the number of licking actions, start and end time and duration through baseline removal, bandpass filtering, peak detection and minimum peak interval judgment.

[0067] S5: When the inner head detector 14 returns to an unattended state, the target electronic ear tag is not read continuously, and the entrance detector 3 returns to an unattended state for a preset time, confirm that the licking is over.

[0068] S6: Close the controllable gate 23, keep it locked for a predetermined drainage waiting time, and then release the load-bearing switching component 8; after the weighing status detection component 861 confirms that the weighing contact component 85 is reliably seated and the licking status detection component 862 is invalid, obtain the stable weight W1 after licking according to the same stability conditions as S0.

[0069] S7: The single feeding amount M is calculated according to M=W0-W1-CTH-CD, where CTH is the environmental drift correction determined based on changes in ambient temperature, humidity, and zero point during unattended periods, and CD is the excretion correction determined based on the slope of weight change after licking. Both CTH and CD are first converted into non-negative deductions based on their impact on the weight difference before and after licking; therefore, the minus sign in the formula has a clear and unified symbolic convention. If the calculated result is less than the system's effective resolution threshold or the event is marked as a disputed event, it is not included in the formal cumulative amount.

[0070] S8: Write the target electronic ear tag, device number, licking start time, licking end time, number of licking actions, W0, W1, compensation amount, single feeding amount and event quality flag into local storage and wireless communication component 17; upload to remote server 21 when network is available, retain the flag to be uploaded when network is unavailable, and re-upload according to the unique event number after network is restored.

[0071] Example 10: Multi-signal attribution, quality assessment, and remote statistics

[0072] like Figure 11As shown, the controller 15 uses a unified timestamp for the entry detection signal, electronic ear tag reading result, inner head detection signal, switching state, dynamic force signal, and static weight signal. For each candidate electronic ear tag i, an attribution score Qi = a1Ri + a2Ti + a3Ai + a4Hi + a5Di is established, where Ri is the dual-antenna reading quality or signal strength feature, Ti is the continuous reading duration feature, Ai is the entry detection time consistency feature, Hi is the head position consistency feature, Di is the overlap feature with the dynamic licking signal, and a1 to a5 are non-negative weights whose sum is 1. The target ear tag is confirmed when the highest score exceeds the confirmation threshold and the difference between it and the second highest score exceeds the leading threshold; otherwise, it is marked as a multi-ear tag dispute event.

[0073] The signal from the dynamic force sensor 9 is first estimated using the sliding median or low-pass filter to establish a baseline, and then band-pass filtered to retain the licking pulse frequency band. The detection threshold can be set to T=max(Tmin, kσ), where Tmin is the lowest effective threshold, σ is the noise standard deviation during periods without human presence or licking, and k is a coefficient between 3 and 8. Two hysteresis thresholds are used to avoid repeated triggering near the threshold, and multiple local peaks formed by the same lick are merged using the minimum peak interval.

[0074] Event quality markers include at least the following: switching timeout, conflicting states between two locations, unstable static weight, weighing exceeding range, multiple ear tag disputes, missing head detection, missing dynamic signals, insufficient drainage waiting time, network outage buffering, and retransmission deduplication. Only events with valid target ear tag attribution, complete load switching status, and stable W0 and W1 conditions are included in the formal feed intake statistics; other events retain their original records for manual verification and algorithm iteration.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, multiple monitoring devices communicate with a remote server 21 via a wireless network. The remote server 21 establishes individual animal files based on the electronic ear tags 20, and statistically analyzes the number of licking visits, licking duration, number of licking actions, single food intake, and cumulative food intake within a preset period. It can also generate alerts based on an individual's historical baseline, such as prolonged periods without licking, sudden increases or decreases in food intake, and insufficient licking brick residue. These statistics are merely an application of sensor data and do not alter the technical process by which the device performs individual identification and actual quality measurement.

[0076] Other implementation methods

[0077] The above embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The load-bearing switching component 8 can be installed on one side, both sides, or the bottom of the floating support frame 4; the static weighing sensor 7 can be a single sensor or a combination of multiple sensors; the dynamic force sensor 9 can be a piezoelectric sensor, strain sensor, acceleration sensor, or pressure sensor; the limiting feeding port 2 can be adjusted by a slide, telescopic rod, or detachable partition; the licking brick fixing component 6 can also be adapted to cylindrical or other licking bricks with a central hole. Any equivalent substitutions or combinations made based on the concept disclosed in this application can be used as embodiments.

Claims

1. A dual-state load-bearing switching individual feeding monitoring device for licking bricks, comprising a fixed frame (1), a limiting feeding port (2), a floating support frame (4) for supporting the licking brick (5), a static weighing sensor (7), an electronic ear tag reading component (12), a sheep presence detection component, and a controller (15), characterized in that: The floating support frame (4) is provided with a weighing contact (85) and a locking engagement part; a load-bearing switching assembly (8) is provided between the fixed frame (1) and the floating support frame (4), the load-bearing switching assembly (8) includes a driving component (81), a locking component (82), a load-bearing seat (83) and a status detection component (86); in the weighing state, the locking component (82) is separated from the locking engagement part, the weighing contact (85) is supported on the force-bearing end of the static weighing sensor (7), and a bypass gap is left between the floating support frame (4) and the load-bearing seat (83); in the licking state, the locking component (81) is engaged with the locking engagement part. 2) Engage with the locking part and generate an unloading stroke, so that an unloading gap is formed between the weighing contact (85) and the force-bearing end of the static weighing sensor (7), and at the same time, the floating support frame (4) forms a licking force bypass with the fixed frame (1) through the locking part (82) and the support seat (83); a dynamic force sensor (9) is provided on the licking force bypass; the controller (15) is electrically connected to the static weighing sensor (7), the dynamic force sensor (9), the electronic ear tag reading component (12), the sheep presence detection component, the drive component (81) and the status detection component (86) respectively.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking element (82) consists of two wedge-shaped elements or cam elements respectively arranged on both sides of the floating support frame (4). The two locking elements (82) are driven synchronously by the same driving element (81) through the synchronous transmission element (811). The state detection element (86) includes a weighing state detection element (861) and a licking state detection element (862). The synchronous transmission element (811) is a self-locking transmission element, and maintains the engagement state of the locking element (82) and the locking mating part when the power is cut off in the licking state. The load switching assembly (8) also includes a three-point repeatable positioning element (84). The repeatable positioning element (84) includes a conical positioning pair (841), a V-groove positioning pair (842), and a planar positioning pair (843), which are used to limit the repeat weighing position of the floating support frame (4) when the load switching assembly (8) returns to the weighing state.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating support frame (4) is provided with a solid-liquid separation receiving plate (10) that is located in the static weighing path together with the licking brick (5). The solid-liquid separation receiving plate (10) includes a solid interception part (101) for intercepting solid debris of the licking brick and a liquid guide part (102) for guiding liquid to outside the static weighing path. The fixed frame (1) is provided with a liquid collection box (11) that corresponds to the liquid guide part (102) and is not carried by the static weighing sensor (7). The licking brick (5) is detachably fixed to the floating support frame (4) by a central positioning rod (61) passing through the central hole of the licking brick, an upper clamping member (62) located above the licking brick, and a lower support member (63) located below the licking brick. The axial position of the upper clamping member (62) along the central positioning rod (61) is adjustable.

4. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electronic ear tag reading component (12) includes a first directional antenna (121) and a second directional antenna (122) respectively located on both sides of the restricted feeding port (2). The restricted feeding port (2) is provided with a radio frequency shield (13) around its periphery. The sheep presence detection component includes an entrance detector (3) located outside the restricted feeding port (2) and an inner head detector (14) located in the area adjacent to the licking brick (5).

5. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide and overload protection component (19) is provided between the fixed frame (1) and the floating support frame (4). The guide and overload protection component (19) includes a flexible guide (191) that limits the lateral displacement of the floating support frame (4) and an overload limiter (192) that limits its vertical limit displacement. The guide and overload protection component (19) also includes a calibration attachment point (193) set on the floating support frame (4). The calibration attachment point (193) is located in the effective weighing force path of the static weighing sensor (7). The controller (15) is connected to a local storage and wireless communication component (17) and has a zero-point calibration mode and a standard mass calibration mode. The controller stores the calibration coefficient, calibration time and calibration result in the local storage and wireless communication component (17).

6. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limited feeding port (2) is equipped with a controllable gate (23). The controller (15) opens the controllable gate (23) only after the status detection component (86) confirms that an unloading gap has been formed between the weighing contact component (85) and the force-bearing end of the static weighing sensor (7), and closes the controllable gate (23) before releasing the licking force bypass.

7. A method for measuring the brick-licking behavior of individual ruminants using the monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, include: The presence of sheep is detected by an inlet detector (3) located outside the restricted feeding port (2) and an inner head detector (14) located in the area adjacent to the licking block (5); when the sheep is not present and the load-bearing switching component (8) is in weighing mode, the stable weight before licking is obtained; when the inlet detector (3) detects that the sheep has entered the outer detection area and the inner head detector (14) has not yet detected the sheep's head, the load-bearing switching component (8) is driven to enter the licking mode; the sheep is allowed to contact the licking block (5) only after the status detection component (86) confirms the formation of an unloading gap; the electronic ear tag is read and combined with the sheep presence detection The signal identifies the target sheep; during the licking state, the dynamic force sensor (9) collects the licking force signal to determine the start and end time of licking and the number of licking actions; after the target sheep leaves, it is prevented from contacting the licking brick (5) again, and after the drainage waiting time, the force switching component (8) is driven to return to the weighing state; the stable weight after licking is obtained only when the state detection component (86) confirms that the weighing contact component (85) has been re-supported on the force end of the static weighing sensor (7) and the weighing data meets the stability conditions; the single licking brick intake corresponding to the target sheep is determined according to the stable weight before licking and the stable weight after licking.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The state detection device (86) includes a weighing state detection device (861) and a licking state detection device (862); the stability conditions include the range of static weighing data within a preset sliding time window being less than a first threshold, the absolute value of the change slope being less than a second threshold, the output of the dynamic force sensor (9) being less than a third threshold, the sheep presence detection component being in an unmanned state, the weighing state detection device (861) being valid, and the licking state detection device (862) being invalid; the stable weight is the median, truncated average, or filtered value of the weighing data within the time window that meets the stability conditions.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electronic ear tag reading component (12) includes a first directional antenna (121) and a second directional antenna (122) respectively disposed on both sides of the restricted feeding port (2); when the electronic ear tag reading component (12) reads multiple electronic ear tags at the same time, the target sheep is determined according to the signal strength difference of each electronic ear tag by the first directional antenna (121) and the second directional antenna (122), the continuous reading time, the output of the entrance detector (3), the output of the inner head detector (14), and the time overlap relationship of the dynamic force signal; events that do not meet the preset consistency conditions are marked as disputed events.

10. A system for monitoring individual feeding by licking bricks, characterized in that, The system includes at least one monitoring device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, a remote server (21), and a user terminal (22); the monitoring device is equipped with a local storage and wireless communication component (17) for caching licking event data with device identification, target electronic ear tag, timestamp, load switching status, stable weight before and after licking, and event quality marker, and for retransmitting the data according to the unique event number after communication is restored; the remote server (21) is used to establish individual profiles according to the electronic ear tag and generate licking access count, licking action count, single feeding amount, cumulative feeding amount, and abnormal change information; the controller (15) of the monitoring device merges consecutive entry events of the same electronic ear tag within a preset interval into a single licking access event, and outputs the licking access count, licking duration, licking action count, single feeding amount, and cumulative feeding amount within a preset statistical period, respectively.

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