Poultry Feeding System with Segmented Pan Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional poultry feeding systems fail to accurately quantify and distribute feed to individual birds, leading to unequal feeding, overfeeding, and mixing of food between male and female birds, as they do not provide secluded feeding spaces or adjust feeding space according to the number of birds effectively.
Innovation Solution
A feeding system comprising a conveyor with removably secured pan assemblies, an Intelligent Feed Hopper station for precise refilling, and adjustable grill structures to prevent male birds from accessing female feed, ensuring each bird receives the correct amount of specially formulated feed based on age, performance, and sex, with separate pan assemblies for males and females.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional conveyor type feeding systems are used, then feed is distributed to multiple birds, but accurate quantification and measurement of feed dispensed per bird is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding system is segmented into individual feed pans, each serving one or more specific birds. Each pan assembly is a separate unit that can be individually filled and monitored, allowing precise measurement of feed dispensed to each bird while maintaining system simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller tracks and records the amount of feed dispensed in each pan assembly. This feedback loop enables accurate quantification of feed distribution per bird, allowing the system to maintain precision without requiring complex mechanical measurement devices at each pan.
2Ease of operation
If conventional feeding systems provide open feeding spaces, then birds have easy access to feed, but neighboring birds can access each other's feed causing mixing and unequal distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding area is segmented into separate feed pans, each assigned to specific birds. Each pan acts as an independent feeding station with controlled access, preventing birds from accessing feed in other pans while maintaining easy access to their own designated feed.
Solution Approach 2:
Each feed pan has customized characteristics including specific dimensions, feed opening sizes, and bird positioning areas tailored to the requirements of the birds using that pan. This local customization ensures optimal feed accessibility for each bird while preventing cross-contamination with neighboring birds' feed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed feeding space is provided in conventional systems, then system structure is simple, but the feeding space cannot be adjusted when number of birds changes
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The controller can dynamically assign birds to different pan assemblies based on current flock size and composition. Pan assemblies can be repositioned, reassigned, and reconfigured along the conveyor to match changing bird population requirements without requiring physical system changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pan assemblies are universal units that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The same pan design can accommodate different bird sizes, sexes, and ages by adjusting positioning and feed dispensing parameters through the controller, eliminating the need for different hardware configurations when bird population changes.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate feed formulation is provided for male and female birds, then nutritional requirements are met, but mixing of food between genders occurs in conventional systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments feed distribution by gender, with separate pan assemblies designated for male birds and female birds. The controller tracks which birds are male or female and assigns them to appropriate pans, ensuring that male and female feed formulations remain completely separate while simplifying the feeding process through automated gender-based routing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pan assemblies have locally optimized characteristics for their intended gender. This includes customized feed opening sizes, pan dimensions, and bird positioning areas that are specifically suited for either male or female birds, preventing cross-access while maintaining ease of feed formulation management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure envisages a feeding system for poultry. The system includes a plurality of first and second pan assemblies that are attached to a conveyor. The conveyor is driven by a main drive unit consisting of combination of prime mover/s and push belt drive to facilitate simultaneous movement of the pan assemblies. An IFH-station is provided for supplying ration to the pan assemblies. The difference in physical characteristic of male and female birds is considered while designing the first and second pan assemblies to deter the male and female birds to access ration from each other's pan assemblies. The system helps in proper ration quantity to male and female birds to enhance their economic value.