Animal Feed Pusher Braking-Force Sensing for Feed-Level Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic feed pushers for animal feeding systems are inefficient in estimating the amount of feed remaining on feeding tables, requiring frequent manual intervention and lacking reliability in operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and feed pusher system that utilizes a rotatable screw driven by an electric motor, where braking forces generated by the motor are monitored to estimate the amount of feed pushed, allowing prediction of remaining feed levels through sensors and processing units, and triggers alerts or actions for feed replenishment based on predefined parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual feed monitoring is used, then system complexity is low, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed pusher system performs self-monitoring by measuring its own braking forces during operation. The motor's braking force measurements automatically provide feed amount information without requiring external monitoring systems or manual intervention, making the system monitor itself while reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where braking force measurements are continuously obtained during feed pushing operations, processed to estimate feed amounts, and used to trigger alerts or actions when feed levels become low. This automatic feedback mechanism eliminates manual monitoring while maintaining system simplicity
2Measurement precision
If traditional feed estimation methods are used, then measurement equipment is simple, but measurement precision and reliability of feed amount estimation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the motor's braking force measurements during feed pushing operations to continuously estimate feed amounts. By processing the relationship between braking forces and feed quantities, the system achieves precise feed level monitoring without requiring complex external measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical or optical feed measurement systems with an electrical measurement approach. By measuring the electrical parameter (braking force) of the motor during operation, the system indirectly but accurately determines feed amounts, achieving high measurement precision with simpler equipment
3Productivity
If frequent manual feed replenishment is performed, then feed management reliability is maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors feed levels through braking force measurements and automatically triggers alerts or actions when feed amounts become low. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable feed management by maintaining adequate feed levels without requiring frequent manual intervention, thereby improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and estimation of feed amounts during the pushing operation itself. By detecting low feed levels in advance through braking force analysis, the system can trigger replenishment actions before feed becomes completely depleted, ensuring continuous reliable operation while reducing the frequency of manual interventions
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
Provides reliable and efficient estimation of feed levels on feeding tables, reducing manual intervention and optimizing feed management by predicting remaining amounts and triggering timely replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor arranged to drive the rotatable screw, wherein the feed pusher comprises a sensor configured to obtain a value of a parameter related to braking forces generated by the rotational screw on the electric motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3.1~3.2
AI summary
A method related to the operation of a feed pusher (3) is described. The feed pusher (3) being arranged to travel on a feeding table (1) along a longitudinal axis (5) of the feeding table (1) at a distance (x) from a feeding table edge (7) and to push animal feed placed on the feeding table (1 ) sidewards in relation to the longitudinal axis (5) towards the feeding table edge (7) by a rotational movement of a rotatable screw (9) driven by an electric motor (11 ) The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a value of a parameter related to the electric motor (11 ) during a time period of the operation of the feed pusher (3) and estimating an amount of animal feed that has been pushed during the time period based on the obtained value of the parameter. A feed pusher (3) for animal feed is also described.