Transverse Mixing Shaft for Animal Feed Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diet feeders have limited mixing capacity and convenience due to the placement of the feed outlet and restricted diameter, which hinders efficient mixing and dispensing of animal feed.
Innovation Solution
A feed mixing and dispensing apparatus with a transverse-oriented mixing shaft and elevated discharge chute, featuring elongated mixing paddles and blades for efficient mixing and discharge, allowing for larger bales and improved maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container diameter is increased to improve mixing capacity, then the mixing capacity is improved, but the towing and maneuvering ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing shaft is oriented transversely (perpendicular to the direction of travel) instead of longitudinally, allowing the container to achieve greater mixing capacity through increased diameter without compromising towing and maneuvering ability, as the transverse orientation maintains a compact profile in the direction of travel
2Device complexity
If the feed outlet is positioned at the bottom of the container, then the structure is simplified, but additional lifting augers are required to elevate the feed
Solution Approach 1:
The feed outlet is repositioned from the bottom to the top of the container, allowing feed to be discharged at an elevated position directly, eliminating the need for additional lifting augers and improving feed dispensing efficiency
3Productivity
If the mixing shaft length is increased to improve mixing coverage, then the mixing coverage is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mixing members are strategically positioned at specific locations along the mixing shaft to target key mixing zones, ensuring effective mixing coverage without requiring excessive shaft length and minimizing energy consumption
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 apparatus achieves higher mixing capacity, reduced energy consumption, and a looser, fluffier feed mix with increased yield, while enabling discharge at higher heights and improved load retention, enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing shaft extends between the side walls substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container and comprises mixing members extending radially from the mixing shaft towards the end walls and the base wall of the container. The mixing members being configured to break up and mix the feed.
Implementation Method 2
the base wall of the apparatus is arcuate in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, thereby allowing the mixing members to reach all regions of the base wall so that no feed remains unmixed
Data Source
AI summary
A feed mixing and dispensing apparatus includes a container mountable on a transport. The container has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis, a pair of opposite end walls, a pair of opposite side walls and a base wail and a top opening. The longitudinal axis extends substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the container, while the transverse axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the container. A mixing shaft connected to a drive means is rotatably mounted inside the container and comprises mixing members for breaking up and mixing the feed. The mixing shaft extends between the side wails substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. A feed discharge arrangement is provided for discharging the mixed feed from the container.