Feed Dispenser Coupling and Auger Design for Precise Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed dispensing systems for laboratory animals face issues with precision, speed, ease of use, and maintenance, as well as difficulties in replacing dispensers and maintaining cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system featuring a particular auger, rotor, and hopper design with reversible coupling means, combined with a feeder equipped with electric strikers and bidirectional electric stepper motors, allows for precise, fast, and clean dispensing, with easy dispenser replacement and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the dispenser is moved to dispense feed (as in US 8499719), then feed can be dispensed, but the dispensing precision is low and the dispenser cannot be completely emptied
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the dispenser from the feeding mechanism. The dispenser remains stationary while a separate feeding device moves to collect and deliver feed, allowing complete emptying of the dispenser and precise control of feed dosage.
Solution Approach 2:
A feeding device acts as an intermediary between the stationary dispenser and the animal container. This intermediary collects feed from the dispenser and delivers it precisely to the container, improving both dispensing precision and enabling complete emptying.
2Reliability
If screws are used to couple the dispenser (as in KR 100620535 B1), then the dispenser is stably fixed, but it cannot be quickly replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into separate coupling elements on the dispenser and corresponding receptacles on the feeder. This allows the dispenser to be quickly attached and detached without tools, while maintaining stable fixation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static screwed connection to a dynamic quick-connect system. The dispenser can be rapidly coupled and uncoupled when needed, while maintaining reliable stability during the feeding operation through positive locking features.
3Reliability
If the dispenser is stably fixed (as in RU 2676552 C1 and GB 1562486 A), then reliability is improved, but dispenser replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system provides dynamic characteristics, allowing the dispenser to be firmly fixed during operation for reliability, but easily released when replacement is needed. The design incorporates quick-release features that maintain stability during use but enable rapid replacement.
4Productivity
If feed is dispensed by rotating the entire dispenser (as in WO 2023/064428 A1), then feed can be dispensed from side opening, but dispensing precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the rotation function from the dispenser. The dispenser remains stationary while a separate rotating feeding device collects feed and delivers it with precision. This segmentation allows high-speed rotation without compromising dispensing accuracy.
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 achieves more precise, efficient, and reliable feed dispensing with reduced maintenance time and cost, while ensuring cleanliness and versatility by allowing multiple dispensers to be used, enhancing safety and conservation.
Implementation Method 1
The lid (7) comprises at least one magnet (32) configured to apply the dispenser (100) to a dispenser holder
Implementation Method 2
A hopper (5) is arranged between the outlet opening (3) and the container (1) to convey feed to the outlet opening (3)
Implementation Method 3
a mobile feeder can tip a dispenser containing feed around a horizontal axis from a horizontal position of the dispenser to an inclined position, so as to cause an amount of feed to fall by gravity into a container for animals
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A dispenser (100) for dispensing feed (56), which comprises a container (1) which is configured to contain feed and is provided with an inlet opening (2) for loading feed into the container (1) and an outlet opening (3) for dispensing feed contained in the container (1), wherein an auger (21) is arranged at the outlet opening (3) and is mechanically connected to a rotor (23) which is arranged in the container (1) and is configured to be mechanically connected to an actuator (42) to rotate the auger (21) around a rotation axis (A). The present description also concerns a feeder and a system which can comprise said dispenser.