Livestock Feed Mixer Homogeneity Control via Real-Time Fiber Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for mixing livestock feed struggle to achieve homogeneous mixtures without damaging fibers, leading to inefficient energy consumption and suboptimal nutritional benefits due to reliance on empirical correlations that cannot account for variability in feedstuffs and mixing equipment conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a mixing apparatus with sensing means, such as an image acquisition device and NIR device, to monitor the homogeneity and fiber length of the mixture in real-time, allowing for automatic regulation of mixing parameters to achieve target levels of homogeneity and fiber length, thereby optimizing energy use and fiber preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mixing time and screw rotation speed are increased to improve homogeneity, then mixture uniformity is improved, but energy consumption increases and fiber damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback control by measuring actual homogeneity parameters during mixing and automatically adjusting mixing time and screw rotation speed to achieve target homogeneity levels, preventing over-mixing and energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes mixing parameters (time, speed) based on measured feedstuff properties and real-time homogeneity assessment, optimizing the mixing process for each specific situation rather than using fixed parameters
2Manufacturing precision
If mixing time and screw rotation speed are increased to improve homogeneity, then mixture uniformity is improved, but fiber length is reduced due to excessive shredding
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback to monitor both homogeneity and fiber length parameters, automatically adjusting mixing duration and intensity to achieve desired homogeneity while preserving adequate fiber length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts mixing parameters based on measured feed properties and real-time assessment of mixture quality, changing speed and time to optimize the balance between homogeneity and fiber preservation
3Ease of operation
If empirical correlations are used to determine mixing parameters, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot account for variability in feedstuffs and equipment conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring feedstuff properties and determining optimal mixing parameters without operator intervention, eliminating the need for operators to understand complex empirical correlations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces empirical, experience-based parameter selection with an automated measurement and control system that uses sensors and algorithms to determine optimal mixing parameters based on actual feed properties
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
This system ensures reliable, energy-efficient mixing that maintains fiber integrity and consistency, overcoming the limitations of empirical methods by providing real-time feedback control and ensuring optimal nutritional quality of the feed mixture.
Implementation Method 1
sensing means, such as an image acquisition device
Implementation Method 2
NIR device, to monitor the homogeneity and fiber length of the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing feed mixtures, which comprises: a mixing apparatus suitable for containing a plurality of feeds and comprising a mixing means suitable for mixing said plurality of feeds so as to define a feed mixture; a sensing means suitable for acquiring chemical and/or physical parameters of the feed mixture; and a processing unit connected to the sensing means.The sensing means comprises at least an image acquisition device and the processing unit is configured to determine the degree of homogeneity of the feed mixture and/or configured to determine the length of the fibers included in the mixture.