Poultry Feeding Pan Distribution Cone for Even Feed Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeding systems for poultry and small animals fail to distribute feed effectively along the rim of the feeding pan, limiting access and causing chicks to have limited access to food, especially during the initial feeding phase.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where feed is conveyed from a horizontal transport channel to the feeding pan, with a passage for initial feeding that imparts a speed component in the longitudinal direction, causing the feed to skid along chute faces and distribute evenly along the periphery of the pan, and an additional passage for regular feeding through the top of the distribution cone to the inner side, ensuring a greater portion of the rim is covered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If feed is conveyed to the outer side of the distribution cone, then feed is delivered to the feeding pan, but feed drops down along the cone face and is not distributed along the upper rim of the pan
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution cone is divided into multiple chute faces (first chute face, second chute face, etc.) that direct feed to different segments of the pan rim. This segmentation allows feed to be distributed along the periphery rather than concentrating at one location, solving both the coverage and accessibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from vertical feed delivery (dropping down the cone face) to horizontal/oblique distribution along the rim by introducing chute faces that extend outward. This dimensional change enables feed to reach the periphery of the pan, increasing accessibility for chicks.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple feeding system is used, then assembly is easy, but feed distribution along the rim is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution cone is integrated directly into the feeding pan as a single component, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware or complex assembly procedures. This merging maintains ease of manufacture while the multi-chute design ensures comprehensive feed distribution along the rim.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution cone serves multiple functions: it receives feed from above, distributes it along the entire rim through multiple chutes, and simultaneously provides structural support. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive coverage without adding complex separate components.
3Device complexity
If feed is conveyed through a single passage, then the system is simple, but feed is not distributed to a greater portion of the rim
Solution Approach 1:
The single feed source is segmented into multiple delivery paths through the chute faces, each directing feed to a specific portion of the rim. This segmentation of the delivery mechanism (rather than the passages themselves) achieves comprehensive coverage while maintaining system simplicity.
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 ensures that a significant portion of the feeding pan's periphery is covered with feed, allowing all chicks to access the food rapidly and promoting eating and growth, with the system being easy to assemble and operate without tools, reducing errors and ensuring even distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the feed is transported in a direction of transport along the horizontal transport channel to one of the other one or more feeding pans, and conveying the feed either to an external side of a distribution cone of each of the feeding pans out through a passage for initial feeding in the transport channel
Implementation Method 2
the feed is sent in separate flows of material along chute faces on the external face of the distribution cone and is distributed by skidding along respective chute faces to the periphery of the feeding pan
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding system for freely moving poultry or other small animals including a feeding pan with an outer distribution cone. An overlying horizontal transport channel for feed is provided above the distribution cone having a passage for regular feeding, and the feed passes through the opening at the top of the distribution cone to the inner side of the distribution cone. There is a passage for initial feeding out of the transport channel, arranged such that the feed passes out of the initial feeding passage and impinges on separate chutes externally on the distribution cone having a dividing line between the two chutes.