Fodder Mixer Dosing with Weight-Based Valve Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixer-dosing devices for fodder, particularly those with vertical augers, face issues with inconsistent discharge volume measurements, leading to unreliable dosing accuracy based on time, cross-section, and auger speed.

Innovation Solution

A mixer-dosing device that uses a control system with a movable closure valve to adjust the discharge opening, allowing for precise weight-based dosing by transitioning from a fully open to partially closed positions, supported by a weighing device for accurate weight measurement, and an auger design with flights for homogeneous mixing and discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a vertical auger device is used for discharge, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of discharged quantity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge device structureVSAvoiddischarged quantity measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a weighing device continuously monitors the weight of fodder in the container. The control device receives weight signals and automatically adjusts the closure valve to maintain the desired weight, creating a closed-loop system that ensures precise dosing despite using a simpler vertical auger discharge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical volume-based dosing system with a weight-based control system. Instead of relying on auger speed and cross-section measurements, the system uses electronic weight sensors and a control device to precisely measure and control the discharged quantity, substituting mechanical measurement with electronic weighing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the discharge opening remains fully open, then the productivity is increased, but the manufacturing precision of dosing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge rateVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The closure valve is designed to dynamically adjust its opening degree based on real-time weight measurements. The valve can transition between fully open (for high productivity) and partially closed (for precise dosing) positions, allowing the system to adapt its discharge characteristics during the dosing process to balance speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the discharge parameter (opening degree of closure valve) based on the dosing progress. By adjusting the valve opening degree according to weight feedback, the system optimizes both discharge rate and dosing precision throughout the dosing cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2845473B1Mixing and dosing device and movable vehicle provided with such a mixing and dosing device
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 SIEPLO
  • EP2845473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2845473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2845473B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a mixer-dosing device for mixing and discharging a fodder, particularly roughage, comprising a mobile undercarriage (2), a container (3) for containing the fodder placed on the mobile undercarriage (2), wherein the container (3) comprises at least one discharge opening (38) for discharging the fodder from the container (3), a fodder displacement device placed in the container (3) for mixing the fodder in the container (3) and/or discharging the fodder from the container (3), wherein the mixer-dosing vehicle comprises a weighing device for measuring a weight of the container (3) with fodder before, during and after discharging, wherein the weighing device is positioned between the container (3) and the mobile undercarriage (2). According to a second aspect the invention provides a mobile vehicle (1) provided with such a mixer-dosing device.