Livestock Feed Trough Regulating Device with Telescopic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed dispensing systems for stabled livestock lack versatility and simplicity in regulating the amount of feed released, relying on mechanical adjustments that are cumbersome and not adaptable to different types of livestock.
Innovation Solution
A regulating device featuring a telescopically attachable annular body with a vertical rod and a manual actuation mechanism, including a rotating cam and braking system, allows for adjustable separation between the trough mouth and the feed dispenser, enabling precise control over feed release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distributor tray is positioned underneath the trough mouth with a fixed distance, then the feed dispensing system is simple in structure, but it lacks versatility and cannot be easily adjusted for different livestock types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescopic adjustment mechanism that allows the distributor tray to be dynamically repositioned relative to the trough mouth. The tray can be moved along a guide bar between a retracted position (closer to trough mouth) and an extended position (farther from trough mouth), enabling adaptation to different livestock types and feeding requirements without requiring a completely different device structure.
2Quantity of substance
If the distance between the distributor tray and trough mouth is increased to accumulate more feed, then the feed release amount increases, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cam-based control mechanism where the operator's manual rotation of the cam directly controls the tray position and feed release amount. The cam profile is designed to automatically provide the necessary lifting force to overcome gravity and move the tray, eliminating the need for additional motors, sensors, or complex electronic control systems. The mechanism serves itself by converting simple rotational motion into the required linear displacement.
3Measurement precision
If a manual actuation mechanism with cam and braking system is added to regulate feed release, then the control precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic or automated control systems with a purely mechanical cam-based regulation mechanism. The cam profile is specifically designed to provide precise control over the tray's vertical position and the feed release timing. The braking system, integrated into the cam mechanism, automatically locks the tray at the desired position without requiring additional electronic actuators or control algorithms, maintaining ease of manual operation while achieving precise feed release control.
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 device provides a versatile and user-friendly solution for regulating feed release, accommodating various livestock types by allowing adjustable separation, thus optimizing feed distribution and simplifying the feeding process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating cam that can be manually actuated and which is adapted to be secured at the top of the trough, e.g. to a cover thereof, and in such a way that its axis of rotation be horizontal, with an off-centre groove on a perpendicular plane to that of the axis of rotation of the cam, all arranged in such a way that when the projection on the sliding piece is inserted into the groove of the rotating cam, the rotation thereof in one direction around its axis raises the sliding piece, whilst its rotation in the opposite direction lowers the sliding piece
Implementation Method 2
A portion of feed is accumulated on the distributor tray, which falls freely by gravity through the mouth of the trough
Implementation Method 3
the means of interlocking comprises an elastic tab with a tooth at its distal end, which is adapted to catch to the toothed outer surface of the rotating cam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Regulating device for the lower discharge opening of a livestock feed trough, which comprises an annular body with a similar cross-section to that of the mouth of the trough, which can be telescopically attached thereto; a vertical rod, which is solidly joined to said annular body; and a means of actuation that acts on the vertical rod, which can be moved vertically by said means of actuation, dragging with it the annular body and thus altering the effective length of the trough.