Automated Feed Particle Size Measurement System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring particle size distribution in animal feed are labor-intensive, costly, and impractical for large farms, especially when feed constituents change frequently or when the feed is wet, leading to increased feeding costs, reduced milk production, and potential health issues in animals.

Innovation Solution

A fully automated system that integrates a feed mixer with a particle size measurement device and a control unit to adjust mixing time based on real-time particle size measurements, allowing for efficient, accurate, and flexible feed mixing, even with varying moisture levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual particle size measurement using the Penn State Forage Particle Separator is used, then particle size can be determined, but the method is labor-intensive, slow, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle size measurementVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical sieving process with an automated image processing system. A camera captures images of feed particles on a conveyor belt, and software automatically measures particle sizes, eliminating the need for manual handling, stacking, and measurement while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing images, processing them through algorithms, and determining particle size distribution without human intervention. The conveyor belt continuously feeds particles through the measurement zone, and the system autonomously records and analyzes data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If frequent particle size measurements are performed to adjust feed mixtures, then feed quality can be optimized, but the manual method is too slow for frequent measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed mixture qualityVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt enables continuous measurement of particle sizes as particles pass through the measurement zone. The system continuously captures images and processes data without interruption, allowing frequent adjustments to feed mixtures based on real-time particle size information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Automated image processing replaces slow manual measurement, enabling rapid analysis of particle sizes and quick adjustment of feed formulations to maintain optimal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the manual separator method is used, then particle size can be measured, but it cannot be used when feed moisture content is above 55%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle size measurementVSAvoidapplicability to wet feed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical measurement system is not affected by feed moisture content. The camera captures images and software analyzes particle sizes based on visual data, which remains reliable even when feed is wet, unlike the manual separator method that requires dry conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2182795B2System and method for mixing animal feed

Publication Date: 2018.05.30 DELAVAL HLDG AB

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AI summary

A system for mixing animal feed comprises a feed mixer (11) for cutting and mixing said animal feed; a feed particle size measurement device (12) provided for measuring the size of feed particles in the animal feed in connection with the mixing of the animal feed; and a control device (13) provided for receiving values of the measured size of feed particles in the animal feed and for automatically controlling the feed mixer based on the measured size of feed particles in the animal feed.