Sensor-Guided Fodder Administration for Feed Table Deterioration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fodder deterioration at animal feed tables due to high temperatures leads to reduced nutritional value and lower milk yield, as animals are restricted from accessing centrally positioned feed and current solutions like feed pushers do not adequately address the issue of fodder quality over time.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing sensors to measure fodder properties, such as temperature and nutritional content, with a control unit that adjusts feed distribution and cooling to prevent deterioration, including remixing and more frequent replenishment to maintain fodder quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fodder is provided in large quantity once a day using mobile mixer wagons, then feed distribution efficiency is improved, but fodder quality deteriorates due to prolonged exposure at the feed table

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed distribution efficiencyVSAvoidfodder quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from once-daily fodder dispensing to multiple smaller dispensings throughout the day. The control unit receives temperature measurements from sensors and triggers feed dispensing operations at intervals, ensuring fresh fodder is provided regularly without prolonged exposure at the feed table, thus maintaining quality while improving distribution efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature sensors continuously monitor the fodder at the feed table and provide feedback to the control unit. When temperature exceeds a threshold indicating deterioration risk, the system automatically responds by dispensing fresh fodder, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains fodder quality based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of substance

If animals are restricted from entering the feed table by fences, then feed wastage is reduced, but animals cannot access centrally positioned fodder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed wastageVSAvoidfodder accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces static fence restrictions with dynamic automated feed dispensing. The feed wagon moves along the feed table and distributes fodder at multiple positions including central areas, allowing animals to access feed without physical barriers while reducing wastage through controlled distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system allows animals to freely access the feed table without fences while the control system manages fodder distribution autonomously based on sensor data, eliminating the need for restrictive structures and enabling both waste reduction and improved accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If fodder remains at the feed table for long hours, then feed distribution efficiency is improved, but nutritional value decreases due to microbial growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed distribution efficiencyVSAvoidnutritional value

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic fodder replenishment instead of single large dispensing. Temperature sensors monitor fodder quality continuously, and the control unit triggers new dispensing operations when deterioration is detected, ensuring fodder remains nutritious while maintaining efficient distribution through automated timing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Continuous temperature monitoring provides real-time feedback on fodder quality. When temperature rises indicating microbial activity, the system automatically responds by removing deteriorated fodder and dispensing fresh supplies, preserving nutritional value while maintaining distribution efficiency through condition-based triggering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances fodder management, increases milk yield by maintaining fodder quality, reduces waste, and saves farmer worktime through autonomous monitoring and action.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor, configured to measure constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder on the feed table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a sensor, configured to measure constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder on the feed table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical property measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS20210360900A1Method and system for fodder administration

Publication Date: 2021.11.25 DELAVAL HLDG AB

AI summary

A method and system are arranged to perform a feed-related action at a feed table, upon which fodder for feeding of a group of animals is present. The system includes a sensor, configured to measure constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder on the feed table at a first point in time; a database, configured to store the measured constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder, associated with the first point in time; and a controller, configured to perform the feed-related action, based on the measured constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder.