Animal Feed Dispenser with Proximity Detection for Automated Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual feeding of fish in research facilities is labor-intensive, leading to musculoskeletal disorders and inaccurate dosing, while existing automated systems are costly, complex, and require significant maintenance, and do not allow for visual observation of fish during feeding.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective animal feed dispenser with a control module and feed dispensing module that uses a detection mechanism to initiate feed flow without manual actuation, allowing for accurate dosing and easy switching between solid and liquid feed types, and includes a display for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual feeding is performed repeatedly, then feed can be delivered to fish, but operators suffer from musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain
Solution Approach 1:
The feed dispenser is designed to be manually positioned by the operator to the tank, but once positioned, the device automatically detects the tank presence and initiates feed dispensing without requiring continuous manual operation. The detection member (sensor) automatically detects when the dispenser is near a tank and triggers the actuator to release feed, allowing the system to serve itself after initial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wash bottle system with an electronic control system. Instead of manually squeezing a wash bottle, the device uses a detection member (optical or proximity sensor) to detect the tank and an electronic actuator (solenoid, motor, or vibration mechanism) to dispense feed automatically, substituting mechanical manual operation with electronic automation.
2Measurement precision
If automated gantry systems are used for feed dispensing, then accurate feed monitoring is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential automation functions needed for accurate feed dosing from the complex gantry system. Instead of implementing a full gantry with motorized positioning, the invention keeps the positioning manual but adds a detection member to sense tank presence and an actuator to control feed release, thereby achieving accurate dosing monitoring without the complexity of motorized positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a detection member (sensor) to create an electronic signal copy of the tank's physical presence. This detection signal is processed by a control circuit that automatically triggers the actuator, creating a simplified control pathway that mimics the functionality of complex automated systems but with much simpler components.
3Extent of automation
If complex automated systems are deployed, then feed dispensing is automated, but maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. The detection member uses basic optical or proximity sensors rather than complex motorized systems, and the actuator is a simple solenoid or vibration mechanism. These components are chosen to be inexpensive and easily replaceable, reducing maintenance burden compared to complex motorized gantry systems.
4Extent of automation
If motorized positioning systems are used, then feed dispensing is automated, but the system requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the space-consuming motorized positioning mechanism from the system while retaining the essential automation of feed release. The device is manually positioned by the operator, eliminating the need for large gantry structures and motorized rails, thereby achieving automation of the critical feed dispensing function without requiring significant installation space.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal feed dispenser includes a control module and a feed dispensing module. The control module includes a detection member and an electronic control card. The detection member is suitable for generating a detection signal when the feed dispenser is located close to an enclosure containing animals. The feed dispensing module includes a feed dispensing orifice and an actuator. The electronic control card is configured to receive the detection signal and, as a function of the detection signal, to transmit an activation signal to the actuator and the actuator is configured to trigger a flow of feed through the dispensing orifice when the activation signal is received.