Bifurcated Feed Pusher Blade for Dairy Cattle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current feed distribution systems in dairy cow free-stall barns fail to provide uniform feed access along long feed alleys, as conventional devices cannot accurately position feed material close to the cattle, leading to uneven consumption and the need for continuous pushing of feed material.
Innovation Solution
A bifurcated, hinged feed pusher blade with pivotally adjustable wing members connected to a main blade, powered by hydraulic cylinders, allowing for angular adjustment and positioning of feed material closer to the cattle, enabling efficient distribution along the feed bunker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional feed distribution systems are used, then feed material can be delivered along the feed alley, but the feed material cannot be positioned close to the cattle, resulting in uneven distribution and continuous pushing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher blade is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt its position and angle dynamically. The blade can be positioned at different locations along the feed alley and adjusted to optimize feed pushing effectiveness, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed alley is divided into multiple sections with pusher blades positioned at intervals throughout its length. This segmentation allows feed to be pushed closer to cattle at multiple points simultaneously, improving distribution efficiency and eliminating the need for continuous pushing from a single location.
2Quantity of substance
If feed material is delivered from mixers, wagons, or trucks, then feed can be distributed along the feed alley, but uniform distribution across the entire length cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Feed material is pushed to predetermined positions along the feed alley before cattle access it. The pusher blades are positioned and adjusted in advance to create uniform feed distribution zones at specific locations, ensuring that feed is evenly distributed across the entire feed alley length before consumption begins.
3Productivity
If angled blades mounted on tractors or skid steer loaders are used, then feed material can be pushed toward the vertical curb, but the blades cannot accurately position feed material close to the cattle
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher blade assembly includes adjustable components that allow precise positioning of the blade relative to the cattle and feed bunker. The blade can be moved to different locations and angled to optimize feed pushing accuracy, enabling precise placement of feed material close to cattle where they can easily access it.
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
The bifurcated feed pusher blade effectively positions feed material closer to dairy cattle, facilitating uniform consumption and reducing the need for continuous pushing, improving feed access and distribution efficiency across the feed alley.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic cylinder is interconnecting the main blade and the wing member, for powering the wing member
Data Source
AI summary
A bifurcated feed material pusher blade has a main blade with a selectively positionable wing member secured to the distal end of the main blade. The bifurcated pusher blade can be formed with two main blades connected at a forward end to a centerpiece and oriented at opposing angles relative to the direction of travel during operation. The two wing members can be independently adjustable relative to the main blades by manipulation of hydraulic cylinders. The two main blade members can be pivotally connected to the centerpiece to permit angular adjustment of the two main blades relative to the direction of travel. The frame supports extending between the two opposing main blades can be telescopic, either manually or powered by hydraulic cylinders for angular adjustment on the go, to facilitate the angular adjustment of the main blades.