Rotating Cage Fodder Distributor for Uniform Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fodder distribution devices for animals, such as those mounted on vehicles, suffer from non-uniform distribution leading to piles, risk of becoming engulfed, and limited capacity, requiring manual intervention and shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A device with rotating cages supported by shoulders and equipped with vanes to prevent engulfment and ensure uniform distribution, capable of handling high volumes, featuring a motor-driven mechanism to distribute fodder uniformly along the manger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If horizontal or vertical screw feeders are used for fodder distribution, then the fodder can be dispensed along the manger, but the distribution occurs in surges creating piles and non-uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor divides the fodder stream into multiple smaller streams using several parallel discharge outlets (3, 4) instead of a single outlet. This segmentation of the discharge function creates multiple uniform streams that combine to achieve overall uniform distribution along the manger, eliminating the surge effect of single-outlet screw feeders.
2Productivity
If screw feeders are used to dispense fodder, then fodder can be distributed along the manger, but the device often becomes engulfed requiring shutdown and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic screw feeder mechanism from the system and replaces it with a different discharge mechanism. The screw feeder that causes engulfment is removed, and fodder is discharged through outlets (3, 4) using an alternative mechanism that does not suffer from the same engulfment problems, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw mechanism that pushes fodder forward in a confined space (which causes engulfment), the invention inverts the approach by using a mechanism that allows fodder to flow more freely through multiple outlets. The discharge geometry is fundamentally changed from a confined screw channel to open outlets that prevent fodder accumulation and engulfment.
3Productivity
If traditional screw feeders are used, then fodder distribution is achieved, but relatively reduced volumes of fodder can be dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional discharge (one outlet) to a multi-dimensional discharge pattern (multiple outlets arranged in space). By distributing fodder through several outlets (3, 4) positioned at different locations, the system increases the spatial distribution capacity and overall volume of fodder that can be dispensed simultaneously along the manger.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for the uniform distribution of fodder (1), comprising two mutually opposite shoulders (3) that support a plurality of cages (5) that can rotate about their own axis and are connected to motor means (7), each one of the cages (5) being defined by a pair of mutually opposite plates (9), which are mounted so that they can rotate on a respective one of the shoulders (3), and by a plurality of longitudinal bars (11), which are fixed to the peripheral region of the plates (9), at least two of the cages (5) being spaced transversely so that the corresponding rotation axes are not superimposed, and in each cage (5) the plates (9) being rigidly connected to each other exclusively by way of the bars (11) and without a central shaft.