Chicken Feeder Storage Apparatus for Rapid Size Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chicken producers face a labor-intensive process when switching between different sizes and types of chicken feeders, requiring frequent disassembly, storage, and reassembly due to the rapid growth and maturity of chickens, leading to time-consuming and inefficient feeder management.
Innovation Solution
A feeder storage apparatus that includes a body section with a coupling member for securing to a feed tube and a feeder contacting section with arms to support the feeder above the tube, allowing for easy storage and reinstallation without disassembly, reducing labor and time spent on feeder management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chicken feeders are stored at a location outside the feeding area, then feeders are kept organized and space is provided for mature chickens, but the process of removing, disassembling, storing and reinstalling feeders becomes time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder storage apparatus allows smaller feeders to be nested within or alongside larger feeders on the same feed tube. The apparatus includes multiple feeder receiving sections at different heights, enabling feeders of different sizes to be stored in a vertical arrangement directly on the feed tube, eliminating the need for separate storage locations and reducing handling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder storage apparatus is pre-installed on the feed tube in the feeding area, with feeder receiving sections ready to accommodate feeders of different sizes. This preliminary preparation allows for quick swapping of feeders without requiring disassembly or transport to external storage locations, directly reducing the time and labor involved in feeder management.
2Reliability
If smaller feeders are removed and stored outside the feeding area, then contamination is avoided and space is provided for mature chickens, but the feeder management process becomes labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder storage apparatus is divided into multiple independent feeder receiving sections, each capable of holding a feeder of a specific size. This segmentation allows for easy identification and retrieval of appropriate feeders while maintaining organization, reducing the complexity of feeder management through clear spatial separation of different feeder types.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder storage apparatus serves multiple functions: it stores feeders of different sizes, prevents contamination by keeping feeders organized and accessible, and provides a structured system for transitioning between feeder sizes as chickens grow. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple needs into a single integrated solution.
3Ease of operation
If feeders are stored in an organized manner outside the feeding area, then feeders are protected and space is optimized, but the time and labor for removing and reinstalling feeders increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder storage apparatus utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning feeder receiving sections at different heights on the feed tube. This vertical arrangement allows for organized storage of multiple feeders without requiring horizontal space outside the feeding area, while maintaining quick access for rapid feeder replacement, thus improving both organization and productivity simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder storage apparatus for a chicken feeder includes a body section, a coupling member and/or a mounting web substructure, and a feeder contacting section. The mounting web substructure is positioned on a first end of the body section for securing the body section to the coupling member and/or a chicken feed tube. The feeder contacting section is positioned on a second end of the body section and includes angled arms to support a feeder above the feed tube.