Rapid Feed Dispenser with Pre-Loading Chute
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for feeding large numbers of animals in agricultural operations are slow and labor-intensive, requiring manual handling and activation of augers to dispense feed, which is inefficient for large-scale operations.
Innovation Solution
A motorized feed dispenser system that includes a feed bin, augers, a pre-loading chute, a fast-acting valve, and a discharge chute, allowing for rapid pre-loading and dispensing of feed as the vehicle passes by feeding locations, with sensors and controllers to manage the dispensing process and optional wash fluid ducting for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual feeding methods are used, then labor intensity is high and feeding time is long, but the system complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The feed dispenser is divided into separate functional modules: a feed bin for storage, an auger system for transport, a pre-loading chute for positioning, and a discharge chute for distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve rapid automated feeding, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-loading chute is designed to position feed in advance before it reaches the discharge point. This preliminary action allows feed to be ready for immediate dispensing when the vehicle passes animals, significantly reducing feeding time and increasing productivity without requiring overly complex real-time control systems.
2Extent of automation
If a motorized vehicle with automated auger system is used, then feeding automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feeding functions into a single integrated vehicle-mounted system. The feed bin, auger, pre-loading chute, and discharge chute are merged into one cohesive unit that can be transported to different locations, achieving high automation without the complexity of multiple separate stationary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized vehicle serves multiple functions: it transports the entire feed dispensing system, provides mobility to reach different animal groups, and houses the power source for the auger mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high automation.
3Speed
If feed is pre-loaded into a chute between feeding operations, then dispensing speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-loading chute is positioned above and inclined toward the discharge chute, utilizing vertical space and gravity to feed material downward. This dimensional arrangement allows continuous pre-loading during vehicle movement without requiring complex horizontal positioning mechanisms, thereby increasing dispensing speed while managing structural complexity.
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
Significantly reduces the time required to feed large numbers of animals by enabling rapid and automated dispensing of feed, improving efficiency and reducing manual labor, while allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a first auger, the first auger positioned to carry feed from the bin up to a pre-loading chute
Implementation Method 2
a valve, the valve positioned below the feed pre-loading chamber, the valve comprising a motor and a gate
Implementation Method 3
a discharge chute, the discharge chute communicable with and positioned below the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for rapidly depositing feed for a large number of animals. The rapid feed dispenser can include a motorized vehicle having a bulk feed bin that can contain hundreds or thousands of pounds of feed, one or more augers that pre-load a feeding dose into a holding area, and a fast-acting valve that quickly dumps the feeding dose as a user drives past a feeding station. While driving from one feeding station to the next, the next feeding dose can be pre-loaded so that by the time the vehicle arrives at the next feeding station, the feeding dose will be loaded and ready to be quickly dumped.