Automated Hopper Belt Conveyor for Precise Feed Weighing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Farmers face inefficiencies and increased costs due to inaccurate measurement of feed mixture ingredients, leading to excess or under-use of materials, which affects animal health and production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated hopper and belt conveyor apparatus that accurately feeds a desired quantity of bulk material into a mixer, with a controller managing the operation of an inclined belt conveyor and rear gate to reclaim excess material, minimizing waste and optimizing feed usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If farmers manually measure and prepare feed mixture ingredients, then the process is simple and low-cost, but the measurement accuracy is poor leading to excess or under-use of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated weight sensing and control mechanisms that self-regulate the feeding process. The weight sensor continuously monitors material weight, and the controller automatically adjusts conveyor operation to achieve precise target weights without manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic weight sensing and automated control systems. The weight sensor provides electronic feedback to the controller, which then automatically controls the conveyor motor, substituting human judgment and manual operation with electronic measurement and automated mechanical control.
2Reliability
If excess bulk material is loaded into the hopper, then the mixer has sufficient material to work with, but waste increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through the weight sensor that monitors the actual weight of material in the hopper and on the conveyor. This feedback is sent to the controller, which adjusts the conveyor operation in real-time to stop feeding at the precise target weight, ensuring reliable material supply while preventing excess loading and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system operates dynamically with variable speed control based on real-time weight feedback. The controller adjusts the conveyor speed and stopping point dynamically to match the target weight requirement, allowing the system to adapt to varying material densities and flow rates while maintaining precise control over material quantity.
3Productivity
If manual feeding operations are used, then equipment complexity is low, but productivity and production efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated feeding system performs multiple functions through an integrated design: the weight sensor serves both as a measurement device and a control input; the conveyor system handles both material transport and precise dosing; the controller manages feeding, weighing, and waste prevention operations. This multi-functionality increases productivity while limiting the growth of complexity through functional integration.
4Manufacturing precision
If accurate measurement systems are implemented, then feed formulation precision improves, but the cost of equipment and facilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing hopper and conveyor infrastructure combined with added sensing and control elements that operate autonomously. The weight sensor and controller work together to self-regulate the feeding process, achieving precise feed formulation without requiring expensive specialized dosing equipment or complex manufacturing systems.
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 enhances production efficiency and reduces costs by ensuring precise feed formulation, minimizing waste, and improving animal health through accurate and controlled feeding.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined belt conveyor that operates under control of a controller to accurately feed a desired quantity (in weight) of a bulk material item from the hopper to the mixer by forward-direction operation of the inclined belt conveyor
Implementation Method 2
a scale that measures a weight of the bulk material contained with the interior space of the hopper and that is carried on the conveyor belt
Data Source
AI summary
An automated hopper and belt conveyor apparatus that can be used to feed bulk material into a mixer in order to create a feed mixture for farm animals. The automated hopper and belt conveyor apparatus includes a support frame that supports a hopper and an inclined belt conveyor that operate under control of a controller to accurately feed a desired quantity (in weight) of a bulk material item from the hopper to the mixer by forward-direction operation of the inclined belt conveyor. Excess bulk material that has been loaded into the hopper (bulk material over the desired quantity in weight) is reclaimed by the controller controlling opening a rear gate of the hopper and reverse-direction operation of the inclined belt conveyor.