Pneumatic Feed Supplement Dispenser for Precision Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for delivering feed supplements to animals are labor-intensive and prone to errors, leading to potential toxicity from overdosing and ineffectiveness from underdosing, as supplements lose potency during storage and manual mixing with primary feed.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a storage container, loading conduit, delivery conduit, metering module, and air delivery means that allows for precise, automated delivery of measured doses of supplements from a bulk storage to an animal feed trough, using pneumatic actuators and valves to control the dispensing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mixing of supplements with primary feed is used, then labor intensity is reduced, but dosing accuracy deteriorates leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing with an automated pneumatic delivery system. A micro weigh machine electronically measures and controls supplement dosage, while pneumatic pressure delivers the supplement through conduits to the feed trough, eliminating manual labor and ensuring precise dosing through electronic measurement and controlled delivery mechanisms.
2Quantity of substance
If supplements are stored for long periods before use, then storage efficiency is improved, but supplement potency deteriorates due to chemical breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supplement delivery into two separate components: bulk storage of supplement in a storage container, and on-demand delivery through a pneumatic system. This allows the supplement to be stored in bulk when not needed while enabling rapid delivery of precise doses when required, minimizing the time supplement is exposed to degrading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary bulk storage of supplement material in a sealed container, then uses pneumatic delivery to transfer only the required dose immediately before use. This preliminary storage approach maintains supplement stability while enabling rapid, precise delivery when needed, avoiding prolonged exposure to degrading environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If automated pneumatic delivery system is implemented, then dosing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional pneumatic system where a single compressed air source performs multiple functions: it actuates the valve to release supplement, provides pressure to deliver supplement through the conduit, and can be used to control the metering mechanism. This consolidation of functions into a single pneumatic system reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby managing complexity while maintaining dosing accuracy.
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
Ensures accurate and efficient delivery of supplements, minimizing potency loss and reducing the risk of errors, thereby providing a balanced diet while maintaining supplement effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an air delivery means for delivering a charge of air (e.g. via the loading conduit) into the breech region in order to transfer supplement in the breech region to and out of the dispensing outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention is a dispensing module for use in delivering measured doses of feed supplement to an animal. It comprises a storage container for holding the supplement and a metering module that is rotatably connected to the storage container for dispensing a measured (pre-determined) dose of the supplement. The dispensing module is adapted to be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the measured dose of the supplement is able to be dispensed out of the dispensing module. In the closed configuration, the measured dose of the supplement is prevented from being be dispensed out of the dispensing module. Compressed air can be used to send the dose to an outlet when the dispensing module is closed.