Tractor Mixer Feeder with PTO Driven Mixing and Front Loader
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for feeding cattle requires two vehicles and often involves two people, which is inefficient and costly in terms of energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method where a single tractor vehicle is used to both move and load a mixer feeder, with the mixer feeder equipped with its own drive means and control systems to operate independently, allowing a single person to manage the process and reduce energy costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a second vehicle is used to load the mixer feeder, then the loading process can be performed, but the number of vehicles and personnel required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the loading function and the mixing element drive function into the tractor vehicle itself. The tractor's front end loader is used to load feed into the mixer feeder tub, and the tractor's power takeoff (PTO) shaft drives the mixing elements. This eliminates the need for a separate second vehicle and reduces personnel requirements, as one operator can control both the tractor and the mixer feeder operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tractor vehicle is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both the loading operation and the mixing element rotation. The front end loader provides loading capability, while the PTO shaft provides rotational power for the mixing elements. This universal approach allows a single vehicle to replace what previously required two separate vehicles, simplifying the overall system configuration.
2Productivity
If the mixer feeder remains coupled to the tractor during mixing, then the mixing elements can operate, but the tractor cannot be used for other activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixing feeder into a separable unit that can be easily uncoupled from the tractor. The mixing feeder includes a tub with mixing elements that are driven by the tractor's PTO when coupled, but can be independently positioned and operated when uncoupled. This segmentation allows the tractor to be released for other activities while the mixing feeder continues its mixing operation or is positioned for feed distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing elements are driven in advance while the mixer feeder is still coupled to the tractor and being loaded or transported. This preliminary mixing action ensures that feed is adequately mixed before the mixer feeder is uncoupled and positioned for distribution to cattle, eliminating the need for waiting time after uncoupling.
3Productivity
If the mixer feeder is uncoupled from the tractor, then the tractor becomes available for other activities, but the mixing elements cannot operate without PTO connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the mixing element drive connection is flexible rather than fixed. The PTO shaft connection allows the mixing elements to be driven when the tractor is coupled to the mixer feeder, but the system is designed to accommodate uncoupling. The mixing feeder can be positioned independently using its own support legs, and the mixing elements can be operated at different stages of the process, providing operational flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing feed to cattle (3), comprising the successive steps of A. moving a mixer feeder (6) coupled to a tractive vehicle (7) via coupling means, which mixer feeder comprises a tub (10) and at least one mixing element (8, 9) for mixing feed in the tub, to a storage location for feed, or at any rate for at least one feed component, by means of said vehicle, B. deactivating the coupling means for uncoupling the mixer feeder from the vehicle, C. loading the tub of the mixer feeder with feed, using loading means that form part of the vehicle, wherein the mixer feeder takes up a fixed position and the vehicle moves between the storage location and the mixer feeder, D. activating the coupling means for coupling the mixer feeder to the vehicle, E. moving the mixer feeder to a cattle location where cattle are present by means of the tractor vehicle, F. unloading the mixer feeder at the cattle location for providing feed to the cattle from the tub of the mixer feeder. The invention also provides combinations of a tractor vehicle or control means and a mixer feeder, as well as a mixer feeder and a tractor vehicle as such.