Feed Gripping Device Dynamic Depth Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feed gripping devices are inefficient and inaccurate in providing the correct amount of feed, leading to issues like rotting or insufficient feeding, due to reliance on static height measurements and failure to account for changing feed density and shape.

Innovation Solution

A feed gripping device with a grab bucket carrier and grab bucket that can move horizontally and vertically, equipped with sensors to measure parameters like height and weight, and a control unit that adjusts the grabbing depth based on real-time measurements to ensure accurate feeding, dynamically adapting to changes in feed density and shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If static height measurements are used to control grabbing depth, then the device structure is simple, but the feeding accuracy deteriorates due to changing feed density and shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidfeeding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control by continuously measuring the actual weight of grabbed feed and adjusting the grabbing depth in real-time based on feedback from weight sensors. This transforms the static height-based control into a dynamic system that adapts to changing feed density and shape, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and accurate feeding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where weight sensors measure the actual amount of grabbed feed, and the control unit uses this information to adjust the grabbing depth for subsequent operations. This closed-loop feedback system improves feeding accuracy without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the adjustment is achieved through intelligent control based on measured parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If grabbing depth is adjusted dynamically based on real-time measurements, then feeding accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensing and control systems. Instead of using multiple adjustable mechanical components to achieve accurate feeding, the system uses weight sensors and a control unit that calculates and adjusts grabbing depth electronically, reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from static height measurements to dynamic weight measurements. By measuring the actual weight of grabbed feed and using this parameter to adjust subsequent grabbing operations, the system achieves high feeding accuracy through parameter optimization rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the device uses predetermined information about material distribution, then the control system is simple, but the reliability deteriorates when feed density and shape change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidfeeding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual weight of grabbed feed is measured and used to update the control system's information about feed distribution. This allows the system to adapt to changing feed density and shape, maintaining reliability without requiring a permanently complex control structure, as the complexity is activated only when changes are detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-updating by automatically adjusting its internal model of feed distribution based on actual measurements from weight sensors. This self-service capability allows the device to maintain reliability under changing conditions without external intervention or permanently complex control mechanisms, as it adapts autonomously based on measured data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If weight measurement and continuous updating are implemented, then feeding precision is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous sensing and control operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic measurement and updating rather than continuous operation. The weight sensors and control unit operate at specific intervals during the feeding process, measuring grabbed feed weight and updating the grabbing depth parameters periodically. This reduces energy consumption compared to continuous sensing while maintaining sufficient feeding precision through strategic measurement timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2838355B2Feed gripping device
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 LELY PATENT NV
  • EP2838355B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2838355B2 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2838355B2 patent drawingFigure 5a~5c

AI summary

The invention provides a feed gripping device (1), as well as an assembly thereof comprising a feed-collecting container(21-l, 21-2, 22) for grabbing feed from one or more piles of feed (12-1, 12-2, 12-3), comprising a frame (2) and a displaceable grab bucket carrier (3) and a vertically displaceable grab bucket (11), a sensor (14, 16, 18) for determining a value of a parameter of the pile of feed, as well as a control unit (26) for controlling the gripping device on the basis of the measured value of the parameter, and arranged to determine and set, on the basis of the measured value of the parameter, a grabbing depth at which the control unit makes the grab bucket grab feed from the pile.