Automated Feed Ration System Using Sieving for Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated feed ration preparing systems require a large number of feed types and complex setups to achieve flexibility in feed composition, leading to increased costs and labor intensity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sieving device that separates ensiled feed into multiple fractions, allowing for adaptable ration composition by varying the proportions of these fractions, thereby enhancing system versatility without increasing complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a larger number of feed types are used to increase flexibility in feed ration composition, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed material is segmented into different size fractions through sieving, creating multiple feed types from a single feed source. The sieving device separates feed into at least two fractions with different particle sizes, which can then be used in various proportions to create different feed ration compositions, thereby increasing system flexibility without requiring multiple separate feed storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of particle size through sieving to create different feed fractions. By controlling the mesh size and separation parameters, the system can produce fractions with different energy contents and physical properties, allowing flexible ration composition adjustment without adding complex equipment or multiple feed types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger number of feed types are stored to prepare different feed rations, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to more storage locations
Solution Approach 1:
A single feed storage location serves multiple functions by producing different feed fractions through the sieving device. Instead of requiring separate storage locations for different feed types, the system uses one storage location that can generate multiple fractions (e.g., fine fraction, intermediate fraction, coarse fraction) suitable for different ration requirements, thereby reducing feed loss while maintaining high adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feed types are loaded and mixed to adapt ration composition to animal needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-service by using the sieving device to generate different feed fractions on-demand from a single stored feed type. The control system automatically retrieves and loads the appropriate fractions into the feed container according to the desired ration composition, eliminating the need for manual intervention to source and mix multiple different feed types, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining full adaptability.
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
The sieving device increases the flexibility of feed ration preparation by allowing optimal adaptation to animal needs using a single type of ensilage, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sieving device (8) arranged to separate quantities of an ensiled feed type into two or more feed fractions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An automated feed ration preparing system for use in an animal feeding system, comprising -a feed storage having multiple feed storage locations for holding multiple feed types including at least one type of ensiled feed, -an automated feed loading system configured for loading quantities of feed in a feed container, -a feed container for receiving feed quantities from the feed loading system, and -a control system having at least one stored ration recipe prescribing quantities of at least two feed types and being arranged to control the feed loading system in accordance with the ration recipe to load predetermined quantities of at least two feed types into the feed container, wherein the feeding ration preparing system further includes a sieving device arranged to separate the at least one type of ensiled feed into two or more feed fractions, and wherein the control system is arranged to control the feed loading system in accordance with the ration recipe to load a quantity of at least one of the feed fractions into the feed container.