Feed Tank Weight Sensor for Real-Time Intake Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing livestock feeding systems lack real-time measurement of feed intake, leading to inefficient feed management, increased maintenance costs, and potential health issues due to uneven feed distribution and spoilage.
Innovation Solution
A feed measurement apparatus comprising a feed tank with a weight sensor that measures the amount of feed filled in the tank, allowing for real-time monitoring and efficient supply management by using a cylindrical feed tank and case design with a discharge tube and blocking mechanism, along with a weight sensor supported by a sensor member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uniform feed supply is used based on arbitrary prediction, then feed distribution is simplified, but feed management efficiency deteriorates and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by installing weight sensors that continuously monitor the actual feed intake of livestock. The system compares the targeted feed amount with the actual consumed amount, and automatically adjusts subsequent feed supply based on this feedback. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise feed management that prevents both waste from overfeeding and shortage from underfeeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual/mechanical uniform feed distribution system with an automated electronic control system. Weight sensors detect livestock weight and feed consumption, microprocessors calculate optimal feed amounts, and automated feeders deliver precise portions. This substitution eliminates the need for arbitrary prediction and manual adjustment, resolving the efficiency and waste problems.
2Reliability
If excessive feed is supplied to livestock, then feed intake requirement is satisfied, but maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses weight sensors to monitor actual feed consumption and livestock weight changes. The microprocessor analyzes this feedback data to determine whether the livestock has reached its feed intake requirement. Feed supply is automatically adjusted or stopped when the requirement is satisfied, preventing excessive feeding and reducing feed costs while ensuring reliable intake satisfaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic feed supply adjustment based on real-time livestock weight and consumption data. The system continuously adapts the feed amount to match the actual needs of livestock at different growth stages, rather than using fixed uniform portions. This dynamic adjustment ensures feed intake requirements are met without excessive supply, optimizing both reliability and cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual feed cleaning is performed when feed remains in feed bucket, then hygiene is maintained, but labor time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service feed management through automated monitoring and control. Weight sensors detect when feed is depleted or remaining, and the automated feeder automatically replenishes or adjusts feed supply without requiring manual cleaning. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive manual cleaning while maintaining hygiene conditions through continuous automated management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous automated feed management that prevents feed spoilage and maintains hygiene without interruption. The system continuously monitors feed consumption, automatically refills when needed, and prevents excessive feed accumulation that would require cleaning. This continuous operation eliminates periodic manual cleaning cycles, saving time while maintaining hygiene.
4Productivity
If real-time feed intake measurement is implemented, then feed management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual measurement and monitoring systems with automated electronic sensors and microprocessors. Weight sensors automatically detect feed consumption, and the microprocessor systematically processes this data to control feed supply. This electronic substitution simplifies the overall system while achieving real-time measurement, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functional components that perform multiple tasks. The weight sensors not only measure feed consumption but also monitor livestock weight. The microprocessor both analyzes consumption data and controls feed dispenser operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, improving feed management efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables efficient feed management by ensuring the right amount of feed is supplied based on real-time intake, reducing waste and spoilage, and simplifying maintenance through easy assembly and replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor disposed under the guide and making contact with a lower end of the slider of the feed tank to measure a weight of the feed tank and feed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus of measuring the amount of feed. The apparatus includes a feed tank, a plurality of sliders, a case, a plurality of guides, and a weight sensor. The feed tank includes a discharge tube disposed at a lower part thereof and includes a body filled with feed. The plurality of sliders is radially and vertically disposed on an outer surface of the feed tank. The case has a discharge tube insertion hole at a lower part thereof to receive a discharge tube of the feed tank and receives the feed tank. The plurality of guides is radially and vertically disposed on an inner surface of the case. The weight sensor is disposed under the guide and makes contact with a lower end of the slider of the feed tank to measure the weight of the feed tank and feed.