Recipe-Controlled Feed Processing for Uniform Mixer Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feed mixers rely solely on crushing for feed processing, leading to uneven nutrient distribution due to over- or under-crushing of feed components, resulting in energetic and nutritional disadvantages.

Innovation Solution

A system with a feed intake device, processing system, and controller that allows for precise control of feed processing based on a prescribed recipe, using sensors and actuators to adjust the degree of processing before feeding into the mixer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If feed components are crushed by the feed mixer to achieve comminution, then the feed is processed to a certain degree, but some components are over-crushed while others are under-crushed, leading to uneven nutrient distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of feed processingVSAvoidcontrol of processing degree
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing pre-crushing of feed components before they enter the feed mixer. The system includes a pre-crushing device that processes different feed components to appropriate degrees before mixing, ensuring that each component is pre-prepared according to its specific requirements. This preliminary processing step prevents the need for excessive reliance on the feed mixer's crushing function, thereby avoiding over-crushing of some components and under-crushing of others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the feed mixer relies solely on crushing for feed processing, then the system remains simple, but energy is wasted and nutritional value is compromised due to over- or under-crushing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing system structureVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the feed processing system into distinct functional modules: a pre-crushing device for initial size reduction, a feed mixer for blending, and optional additional processing stages. Each module performs a specific function with appropriate control, allowing precise management of processing intensity for different feed components. This segmented approach enables energy-efficient processing by performing only the necessary crushing at each stage, rather than relying on a single high-intensity mixing stage to do all the work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12557736B2System, method and apparatus for filling a feed mixer
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 DEERE & CO
  • US12557736B2 patent drawing
  • US12557736B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for filling a feed mixer, the system comprising: a feed intake device configured to take in a feedstock from a stockpile; a feed processing system for processing the feedstock and directing the processed feedstock into a container of the feed mixer; and a controller associated with the feed processing system, the controller configured to control processing of the feedstock by the feed processing system based on a prescribed recipe.