Poultry Nest Weighing Module with Integrated Load Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for weighing poultry in poultry houses lack improved functionality and additional features for precise and gentle weight determination, feed intake monitoring, and disease detection.

Innovation Solution

A weighing module for poultry nests equipped with a floor supported by weighing elements, a holding device for attachment to animal housing facilities, and a data transmission system for accurate weight measurement and analysis, allowing for nest-integrated weighing and monitoring of poultry weight, feed intake, and disease detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If poultry are weighed using existing solutions, then weight measurement is possible, but the measurement precision and gentleness of weighing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoidstress to poultry during weighing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing module is integrated directly into the nest structure, combining the nesting function and weighing function into a single unit. The base of the nest serves as the weighing platform, supported by weighing elements, eliminating the need for separate weighing equipment and allowing poultry to be weighed naturally while nesting or during feeding activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The weighing system operates automatically without requiring external intervention. The weighing elements continuously measure the weight of poultry on the base, and the data transmission device automatically sends weight data to the control unit, enabling self-service weighing that reduces handling stress on the animals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If weighing modules are integrated into nests, then nest-integrated weighing is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenest-integrated weighing capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing module is designed with universal applicability, featuring a base that can support various types of poultry and integrate with different nest configurations. The holding device with clamping elements can attach to various animal housing structures, making the system versatile across different farming setups while maintaining relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple weighing elements are used to support the base, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoidweighing element configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing system is divided into multiple independent weighing elements distributed beneath the base. Each weighing element independently measures a portion of the total weight, and the control unit processes signals from multiple elements to calculate the total weight, improving measurement precision through distributed sensing while keeping each individual element simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables precise and gentle weight determination of poultry, facilitates early disease detection by monitoring feed intake, and optimizes feed and growth management through accurate data analysis.

Implementation Method 1

the base is supported by a weighing element, the weighing element being arranged between the holding device and the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3308640B1Nest and weighing module for a nest in poultry husbandry
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP3308640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308640B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3308640B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a weighing module (100) for a nest (20) in poultry farming, comprising a base (110) for receiving poultry (220) and/or a nesting base and a holding device (300) with which the weighing module (100) can be attached to an animal housing device, in particular to a nesting device, wherein the base (110) is supported by a weighing element (200).