Elevated Outlet Dispenser Regulator for Bulk Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hopper type fertilizer/seed spreaders are limited to dispensing small, densely packed products and are not capable of handling larger varieties of seeds or bulk animal feeds, restricting their use in agricultural and livestock farming operations.
Innovation Solution
A hopper-based dispenser with an elevated outlet and a regulator mechanism that allows for selective dispensing of feed products, including larger seeds and bulk animal feeds, using a flow tube for precise placement and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a small opening is located near or at the bottom of the hopper for dispensing, then small densely packed products such as fertilizer pellets can be dispensed, but larger varieties of product such as feeds for larger livestock cannot be dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper is equipped with multiple outlets of different sizes positioned at different locations (top, bottom, and side outlets). This multi-outlet configuration enables a single device to dispense various product types including small densely packed fertilizer pellets through the bottom outlet, larger seeds through side outlets, and bulk animal feeds through the top outlet, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is segmented into multiple independent outlets (top outlet, bottom outlet, side outlets) that can operate independently or simultaneously. Each outlet is sized and positioned to handle specific product types, allowing the system to be divided into functional segments that address different dispensing needs without increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elevated outlet is used for dispensing feed product, then larger and less dense varieties of seed and bulk animal feed can be dispensed, but the dispensing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator mechanism is designed with a universal regulator plate that can control multiple outlets simultaneously. The regulator plate features multiple openings that align with different outlets (top, bottom, side), allowing a single regulator mechanism to control dispensing of various product sizes through different outlets, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator plate combines multiple control functions into a single component. By integrating multiple openings and control features in one regulator plate, the mechanism consolidates what would otherwise require separate regulators for each outlet, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the capability to dispense larger and less dense products through elevated outlets
Data Source
AI summary
A hopper type agricultural and livestock spreader and fertilizer dispensing apparatus. The dispenser may be configured to be mounted to a ground transport vehicle, such as a tractor and three point hitch. An auxiliary outlet is configured in the hopper at an elevated position from a bottom end thereof. A flow regulator is operatively attached to regulate the outlet area of the auxiliary outlet to achieve a desired flow rate. The auxiliary outlet is dimensioned to permit the flow of large feed stocks. A dispenser flow tube may be operatively connected to the outlet to direct the flow of feed product in a desired spot. The flow tube may extend laterally from the side edges of the hopper to permit delivery of food product along the length of a livestock feed trough. A kit for modifying a hopper type fertilizer/feed dispenser.