Farrowing Pen Feed Trough with Sill and Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current feeding systems for sows and piglets in farrowing pens do not allow for optimal ad libitum feeding, leading to potential undersupply of sows and complex cleaning requirements, while existing solutions do not adequately address the nutritional needs of high-yielding lactating sows and their piglets, especially with increased litter sizes.
Innovation Solution
A two-part feeding trough with sensors in both the sow and piglet areas that allows for ad libitum feeding based on sensor signals, enabling targeted feeding by flushing old feed from the piglet area to the sow area and adjusting feed amounts and types according to the needs of both, with a channel-like design for efficient feed distribution and separate feeding areas to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-part feeding trough with a sill is used to allow feed transfer from piglet area to sow area, then feed distribution is improved, but cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding trough is divided into two separate feeding areas (piglet feeding area and sow feeding area) that are spatially segmented but functionally connected through the sill. This segmentation allows independent feeding zones while maintaining feed flow connectivity, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sill structure enables automatic feed transfer from the piglet feeding area to the sow feeding area without manual intervention. Feed moves spontaneously through the sill connection, making the system self-servicing and reducing the need for complex manual cleaning operations.
2Quantity of substance
If ad libitum feeding is implemented for sows, then sow nutrition is improved, but feed waste and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are installed in both feeding areas to detect feed levels and trigger automated refilling operations. This feedback mechanism ensures feed is supplied only when needed, preventing both undersupply to sows and excessive feed accumulation that would lead to waste and increased cleaning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding system transitions from static feed loading to dynamic, demand-driven feed supply. The automated refilling system adjusts feed delivery based on real-time conditions in the feeding areas, allowing sows to access feed ad libitum while the system monitors and controls overall feed quantities to minimize waste.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in both feeding areas for automated refilling, then feeding precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors installed in the feeding areas serve multiple functions: detecting feed levels, triggering automated refilling, and monitoring feeding patterns. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities that improve overall system efficiency and reduce manual intervention needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual feed level checking and refilling operations are replaced with an automated sensor-based system. The sensors electronically detect feed levels and automatically trigger refilling, substituting mechanical/manual processes with automated control systems that improve precision while the automation itself offsets the complexity burden.
4Productivity
If feed is flushed from piglet area to sow area, then sow feed supply is improved, but feed freshness for piglets may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system prioritizes feed supply to the sow feeding area by allowing feed to naturally flow or be flushed from the piglet area to the sow area. This preliminary action ensures sows receive adequate feed first, while the automated refilling system subsequently replenishes the piglet area with fresh feed, maintaining both sow supply and piglet feed freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated refilling system operates periodically based on sensor-triggered events. After feed is transferred to the sow area, the system periodically replenishes the piglet feeding area with fresh feed, creating a rhythmic cycle that maintains both efficient feed transfer to sows and freshness of feed for piglets.
Data Source
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AI summary
Feed trough for sows and their piglets comprising at least one part designed as a piglet feeding area (1) and at least one part designed as a sow feeding area (2), wherein the two parts are connected to each other via a transition area (3) designed in particular as a sill, the bottom (4) of which is arranged below an upper edge (6) of the feed trough, in such a way that feed introduced from a feeder into the piglet feeding area (1) can enter the sow feeding area (2), wherein at least one sensor (11) for fill level detection is assigned to both the sow feeding area (2) and the piglet feeding area (1), and the respective sensor is arranged in particular in this, as well as a method for feeding piglets and/or sows in a farrowing pen.