RFID Hopper Feeder Assembly for Individual Livestock Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current livestock feeding systems lack the ability to selectively control feed output based on individual animal needs and feeding habits, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential health issues due to uneven feeding distribution.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous feeding device and system that uses RFID tags to identify eligible animals, a motorized auger for controlled feed dispensing, and a processor to manage feed schedules and histories, ensuring each animal receives the appropriate amount of feed based on its specific needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional livestock feeding systems are used, then feed distribution is simple and device complexity is low, but feeding precision and ability to control individual animal needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the feeding process into separate controllable components: RFID reader for identification, controller for decision-making, and auger mechanism for precise feed dispensing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual feeding operations with an automated system that uses RFID technology to identify animals and a motorized auger mechanism to dispense feed. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated systems enables precise control over individual animal feeding without requiring complex manual coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If feed is dispensed without individual identification, then device complexity is low, but ability to control feed output based on individual needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates RFID readers that detect animal presence and provide feedback to the controller, which then determines eligibility based on feed history and schedules. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt feed dispensing to individual animal needs while maintaining relatively simple hardware through intelligent control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages RFID communication, stores and processes feed history, determines feeding eligibility based on schedules, and controls the auger mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high adaptability.
3Loss of information
If manual feeding monitoring is used, then device complexity is low, but monitoring capabilities and feed history tracking are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks and records feeding information for each animal without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously manages feed history, eligibility determination, and dispensing operations, thereby preventing information loss while avoiding the complexity of manual monitoring processes.
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
The system ensures precise and efficient feeding, reducing competition among animals and allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of feed distribution, thereby enhancing animal health and growth by tailoring feed output to individual animal requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an auger mechanism and motor control to ensure precise feeding
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method for autonomously feeding livestock animals includes receiving signals from RFID tag readers, determining animals associated with the signals are eligible for feeding, causing a motor to rotate an auger for dispensing an output feed amount, and updating a feed history of the animal. The animals are determined to be eligible for feeding based on a feed history associated with the RFID tag and a feed schedule or a feed routine.