RFID Load Cell Animal Feeding Station
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current animal identification, measurement, and monitoring systems face challenges in accurately determining individual animal feed intake and behavior, especially in group settings, due to environmental interference, equipment design limitations, and the need for multiple readers to differentiate multiple transponders, leading to costly and inaccurate data.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing load cells for precise weight measurement of feed troughs, combined with RFID technology to track individual animal consumption, and a filtering method to remove noise from weight data, allowing for continuous, accurate monitoring of feed intake and behavior without disrupting animal behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transponders use the same frequency to transmit identification codes, then the system can identify multiple animals simultaneously, but a single reader/transmitter becomes unable to decipher each individual code accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reading area into multiple zones with separate reader/transmitters, each responsible for reading transponders in its specific zone. This segmentation allows multiple animals to be identified simultaneously while maintaining accurate individual code reading by assigning each reader a dedicated spatial domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by positioning multiple reader/transmitters at different locations around the feeding area. Each reader operates from a distinct spatial position, enabling simultaneous reading of multiple transponders without frequency conflict by utilizing spatial separation as an additional dimension for differentiation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reader/transmitters are used to read multiple transponders, then individual animal identification accuracy improves, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each reader/transmitter is designed to perform multiple functions: identifying animals, measuring feed consumption, and monitoring behavioral patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each task, thereby lowering overall system complexity and cost while maintaining accurate individual identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines identification, feed measurement, and behavior monitoring functions into an integrated system where reader/transmitters work in coordination with feed troughs and data processing units. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate components needed while achieving precise individual animal tracking.
3Area of stationary object
If RFID reading field extends to adjacent trough areas, then animal identification coverage increases, but reading accuracy decreases due to adjacent animal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The reading field is segmented into distinct zones associated with specific feed troughs. Each reader/transmitter is positioned and configured to read transponders primarily within its assigned zone, reducing interference from adjacent animals while maintaining adequate coverage for accurate identification at each feeding station.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial positioning and signal filtering as intermediary mechanisms that mediate between the extended RFID reading field and adjacent transponders. These intermediaries enable the system to utilize the broad coverage of RFID technology while filtering out interfering signals from animals in adjacent areas, maintaining both coverage and accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If environmental conditions such as wind and air pressure variations occur, then outdoor feeding monitoring becomes possible, but weight measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of environmental conditions and baseline weight readings before feeding events. By establishing reference data under various environmental conditions, the system can compensate for wind and air pressure variations during actual measurements, enabling accurate outdoor monitoring while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor environmental conditions and adjust weight measurements in real-time. Sensors detect wind speed, air pressure, and other environmental factors, and the system uses this feedback to correct weight readings, allowing accurate feed consumption measurement even in variable outdoor conditions.
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 provides accurate and continuous measurement of individual animal feed intake and behavior, reducing errors from environmental conditions and equipment limitations, enabling better health monitoring and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a feed trough supported by a load cell so that the weight of the feed trough can be measured
Implementation Method 2
The reader/transmitter sends an electromagnetic wave through the antenna to the transponder
Implementation Method 3
the transponder, which uses this energy to transmit a radio frequency signal back through the antenna to the reader/transmitter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A highly automated system and method for acquiring animal consumption and behavior data comprising stations where consumables are fed to animals. The stations being equipped with RFID equipment for reading RFID tags in close proximity to the station, and weighing devices for measuring the weight of the consumables. The RFID equipment and the weighing device are connected to a computer which calculates the weight of the trough at specific times by using weight data collected before and after the specified time to enhance the accuracy of the weight measurement. The computer uses a "mathematical weighted filter technique" to estimate the weight of the trough before and after a consumption event. The computer uses a method to divide the reduction/increase in weighed matter between the RFID tag last seen and the next RFID tag appearing, providing the reduction/increase in matter is less than a specified amount.