Acoustic Feed Level Estimation via Striker Reverberation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the volume of feed in bulk feed tanks require physical inspection or climbing a ladder, which is unsafe and inefficient, and transparent windows are prone to clouding and damage from poultry feed.
Innovation Solution
A device with a slide mechanism and striker member that allows the operator to estimate feed levels by listening to pitch changes in reverberations when striking the tank from the ground level, using a rope and pulley system to move the striker member vertically along the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transparent windows are installed on the bulk feed tank, then the operator can visually determine feed levels, but the windows become clouded and scratched by poultry feed, rendering them ineffective over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical inspection method (visual inspection through windows) with an acoustic detection method. A striker member strikes the tank wall at various heights, and a sensor detects the resulting vibrations. The presence or absence of feed behind the strike location is determined by analyzing the vibration characteristics, eliminating the need for transparent windows and their associated maintenance issues.
2Measurement precision
If the operator climbs a ladder to physically inspect the tank interior, then accurate feed level information can be obtained, but the operator is exposed to safety risks and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - a striker member mounted on a movable carriage system - that performs the inspection function without requiring operator presence at height. The striker can be positioned and actuated from ground level, and the vibration sensor captures data that is processed to determine feed levels, thereby eliminating ladder climbing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the striker member is manually positioned at each height, then accurate feed level estimation is achieved, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, manual inspection process into a dynamic automated system. The carriage carrying the striker member moves automatically along the tank height under motor control, stopping at predetermined intervals to perform strikes. This automated positioning and movement significantly reduces inspection time while maintaining the accuracy of feed level determination through systematic coverage of the entire tank height.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and accurate estimation of feed levels without visual inspection or ladder climbing, facilitating timely ordering of supplies and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A striker member (20) connected to the slide block (16) and positioned external to the slide tube (12) for striking the exterior side of the bulk feed storage tank (1)
Implementation Method 2
The pitch of the reverberation from the striking of the striker member (20) provides an indication of the level of feed (28) within the bulk feed storage tank (1)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating the level of feed present within a bulk feed storage tank allows the empty volume of the storage tank above the level of feed to be estimated in order to evaluate the need to order new supplies of feed to be placed within the storage tank. The apparatus includes a slide mechanism having a slide block moveable within a vertically oriented slide tube. A rope entrained around a pulley is attached to the slide block to power movement of the slide block upwardly. A striker member is connected to the slide block and positioned externally of the slide tube. A second rope is attached to the striker member to permit selective actuation thereof to strike the exterior side of the storage tank. The pitch of the reverberation from the striking of the striker member provides an indication of the level of feed within the storage tank.