Corn Silage Sorting Assembly for Customized Cattle Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for formulating livestock feed rations, particularly for dairy cattle, are inefficient and costly, with a high reliance on corn silage that requires proper processing to maintain nutritional benefits while reducing feed costs.
Innovation Solution
A livestock feed sorting assembly comprising a metering unit and a sorting unit that separates corn silage into size fractions using a hopper with rotating rods and a conveyance device, such as an auger or conveyor, and a rotating drum or shaker deck with adjustable screens to create customized feed rations for lactating cows and young stock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If corn silage is used as a prominent component of dairy cow diets to reduce feed costs, then feed cost efficiency is improved, but proper processing is required to maintain nutritional benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The silage material is separated into different size fractions (fine particles and coarse particles) using a screen with apertures. This segmentation allows different nutritional components to be sorted and used appropriately, maintaining nutritional benefits while improving processing efficiency and reducing feed costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If silage material is processed through a sorting assembly with screen, then separation into size fractions is achieved, but fine particles may pass through screen apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is configured to be movable relative to the drum surface, allowing adjustment of screen position and aperture orientation. This dynamic adjustment optimizes separation precision while minimizing loss of fine particles that might otherwise pass through the screen apertures.
3Productivity
If a rotating drum with screen is used to separate silage, then size fractionation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating drum with screen serves multiple functions: it transports the silage material through the system, performs size-based separation, and allows for adjustment of screen configuration. This multi-functionality achieves efficient feed formulation while limiting the increase in system complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the screen aperture size is reduced to improve separation precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but fine particles may still pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The screen's movable configuration allows dynamic adjustment of aperture orientation and screen position relative to the drum surface, optimizing the balance between separation precision and minimizing fine particle loss through the apertures.
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 system enhances feed efficiency by maintaining palatability and digestibility while significantly reducing costs, optimizing milk production, and providing flexible, cost-effective feed formulations tailored to different cattle populations.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating drum comprising a screen in cylindrical form, the rotating drum having an intake end and a retentate end, wherein the rotating rods and auger cooperate to transport a silage material at a controlled rate to the intake end of the rotating drum, and wherein the screen of the rotating drum separates silage material into fines and retentate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to livestock feed sorting assemblies and methods of using same. In particular, assemblies and methods find use in preparing feed rations for livestock, such as dairy cattle and beef cattle.