Pig Feeder Shelf Linkage for Precise Feed Flow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the height of the shelf in pig feeders to control feed dispensing rates has been problematic, particularly when dealing with significant loads from full hoppers, as existing systems require heavy reinforcement to avoid bending and often lack fine adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A feeder system with an elongate adjustment component and a two-linkage adjustment mechanism, where the lift members are spaced inwardly from the ends of the adjustment component to distribute forces and include gear boxes for simultaneous operation, reducing the manual force required for adjustment and minimizing external components accessible by pigs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the shelf is positioned close to the hopper to control feed flow, then feed dispensing precision is improved, but the adjustment component is subjected to excessive bending forces from feed load
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment component is divided into multiple segments or sections, allowing the structure to better distribute and handle the bending forces from the feed load while maintaining the precise positioning capability near the hopper
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment component has varying cross-sectional properties along its length, with increased strength at critical locations where bending moments are highest, while maintaining lighter construction in less critical areas to reduce overall weight and complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a hand crank screw mechanism is used for shelf adjustment, then fine adjustment precision is achieved, but the device complexity and manual effort required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hand crank screw mechanism is replaced with a simpler mechanical system such as a lever-based linkage or cam mechanism that achieves the same fine adjustment precision with reduced parts count and lower operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to operate with minimal force across the full range of motion, creating an equipotential system where the mechanical advantage remains relatively constant, reducing the perceived complexity and effort for the user
3Strength
If the adjustment component is made heavier to resist bending forces, then structural strength is improved, but the ease of manual adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight mechanism is incorporated into the adjustment system, where a movable mass compensates for the weight of the adjustment component, allowing heavy-duty construction for strength while maintaining ease of manual operation through mechanical balance
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment component incorporates dynamic elements such as springs or dampers that reduce the effective weight during adjustment operations, allowing the structure to be strong when needed but easy to move during normal operation
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
This solution allows for precise control of feed dispensing without excessive force on the adjustment component, reducing the need for heavy reinforcement and enabling efficient adjustment of the shelf height to manage feed flow characteristics without accommodating animal size changes.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment linkage for operating adjustment movement of the elongate adjustment component, the linkage including a first lift member and a second lift member each for applying a lifting force to the elongate adjustment member
Implementation Method 2
each of the lift members includes a gear box with a shaft connected between the two gear boxes to communicate drive therebetween for simultaneous operation of the lift members
Implementation Method 3
each of the lift members includes a screw member, and a hand operated actuator located at a top of the feed in the hopper which rotates the screw members to apply lifting force to the adjustment component
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder for pigs includes a hopper and a trough for receiving the feed where an elongate opening is defined by an elongate shelf to control the amount of feed discharged from the hopper to the trough. An adjustment linkage for lifting the shelf against the weight of feed in the hopper includes a first lift screw and a second lift screw each for applying a lifting force to the elongate adjustment member located at spaced positions from the end walls of the hopper. Each of the screws includes a gear box with a shaft connected between the two gear boxes to communicate drive therebetween for simultaneous operation of the lift screws by a hand crank connected to one at the top of the feed in the hopper.