Georeferenced Feed Dispensing for Even Livestock Bunk Rations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current livestock feed delivery systems rely heavily on human operator control, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in accurately dispensing feed to multiple bunks or drop locations, which increases costs and resource drain, and are not adaptable to complex and varied feed ration prescriptions.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous feed delivery system that automatically controls feed dispensing to livestock bunks or drop locations, using geolocation data and minimal driver inputs to ensure precise and even ration distribution, integrating load sense hydraulics and automated control of vehicle and dispensing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If human operator control is used for feed dispensing, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but accuracy and consistency of feed delivery deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous operation where the feed dispensing system controls itself through automated components including GPS positioning, automated gate control, conveyor belt speed regulation, and hydraulic system coordination, eliminating the need for continuous human intervention while maintaining high delivery accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic control systems, including GPS-based positioning systems, electronic sensors for monitoring feed flow, automated hydraulic control systems, and computer-controlled conveyor mechanisms that precisely regulate feed dispensing without human operator input
2Productivity
If manual control of dispensing components is used, then the system is easier to operate, but time consumption and fuel usage increase due to repeated stopping and starting
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by coordinating vehicle movement with automated feed dispensing, allowing the truck to travel continuously along the bunk while the automated system regulates feed flow rate to match vehicle speed, eliminating the need to stop for dispensing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the automated system continuously adjusts dispensing parameters including gate opening size, conveyor belt speed, and hydraulic flow rates based on real-time vehicle speed and position data, enabling the system to adapt to changing operating conditions without interruption
3Manufacturing precision
If human operators dispense feed to multiple bunks with different requirements, then the system is simpler, but accuracy of meeting specific ration prescriptions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pre-programmed bunk specifications stored in memory, including unique identifiers, bunk lengths, and specific ration requirements for each location. Before reaching each bunk, the system automatically retrieves the appropriate parameters and configures the dispensing settings in advance, ensuring accurate delivery without requiring operator knowledge or manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor actual feed delivery amounts and compare them against the prescribed ration requirements. The system uses this feedback to make real-time adjustments to dispensing rates, ensuring that each bunk receives the precise amount specified in its prescription, with automated correction of any deviations
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 system reduces human error, saves time and fuel, and enhances efficiency by ensuring accurate and uniform feed delivery to multiple bunks, reducing waste and labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulics of the vehicle can be autonomous, with a load sense system that automatically powers the dispensing components
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous feed delivery system for evenly dispensing a specified amount of feed into a specified distance such as a feed bunk. This results in a concisely controlled rate of discharge per linear distance which is critical to achieving an even and accurate delivery of the specified amount of feed into the feed bunk. Features can include using a georeferenced map of feed bunks to identify correct feed rations to the correct bunks based on a prescription for each bunk, and preventing feed dispensing outside of bunk locations, load sense hydraulic control to provide hydraulic power to dispensing independent of vehicle engine rpm, and interruption of bulk feed supply to the dispensing sub-system if indications of overload are sensed.