Vertical Feed Mixing Auger Layout for Higher Wagon Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feed mixer wagons with vertically arranged mixing augers face limitations in maximizing mixing container capacity due to wheel placement constraints, which either reduce the net mixing volume when mounted below or beside the container, restricting the overall size and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A feed mixer wagon design with at least three mixing augers, featuring a central auger with a smaller radius, allowing wheels to be mounted on either side of the mixing container, and a conically widening mixing chamber to optimize space utilization without reducing the overall width or height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If wheels are mounted below the mixing container, then the mixing container height is reduced, but the net mixing volume is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing container capacityVSAvoidmixing container height
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from vertical wheel mounting (below the container) to lateral wheel mounting (beside the container), changing the spatial dimension of wheel placement. This allows the mixing container to maintain its full height while accommodating wheels externally, thereby resolving the contradiction between mixing container capacity and height restriction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If wheels are mounted beside the mixing container, then the vehicle width is reduced, but the net mixing volume is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing container capacityVSAvoidvehicle width
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions wheels laterally beside the mixing container rather than below it, utilizing the lateral space efficiently. This dimensional repositioning allows the mixing container to extend to its maximum width while accommodating wheels in the lateral dimension, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing container capacity and vehicle width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the mixing container is extended in length to increase capacity, then the number of mixing augers must be increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing container capacityVSAvoidnumber of mixing augers
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the mixing container into multiple longitudinal sections, each equipped with its own mixing auger. This segmentation allows each auger to independently mix feed in its respective section, enabling the system to handle large capacities without requiring an excessive number of augers, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing container capacity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges mixing augers in a lateral configuration beside the mixing container rather than stacking them vertically or horizontally within the container. This lateral arrangement allows multiple augers to operate simultaneously in different longitudinal sections without increasing the container's height or width, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing container capacity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Volume of moving object

If a stepped elevation is used to accommodate wheels below the mixing container, then the mixing container height is partially compensated, but the mixing of feed in the longitudinal direction is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing container capacityVSAvoidmixing of feed in longitudinal direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions wheels laterally beside the mixing container rather than below it, eliminating the need for stepped elevations that would interfere with feed mixing. This lateral positioning in a different dimension allows the mixing container to maintain its full height and longitudinal mixing capability while still accommodating wheels, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing container capacity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design enhances the mixing container's capacity by allowing for optimal wheel placement and efficient mixing without compromising the vehicle's dimensions, thus improving mixing efficiency and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The mixing device has at least three mixing augers arranged one behind the other in the mixing container viewed in the direction of travel, namely a front mixing auger with a first radius, a rear mixing auger with a second radius and at least one middle mixing auger with a third radius arranged between the front and rear mixing augers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical agitation:

Data Source

PatentEP4666850A1Feed mixing wagon with vertical mixing screws
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 B STRAUTMANN & SOHNE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4666850A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4666850A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4666850A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a feed mixer wagon (100; 100') comprising: - a chassis (10) with wheels (11, 11') attached thereto, - a mixing container (12) with a circumferential container wall (13), a bottom (14) and a central axis (20) oriented in the direction of travel (FR), - a mixing device (15) arranged in the mixing container (12) for processing one or more feedstuffs filled into the mixing container (12), - wherein the mixing device (15) comprises: - a front mixing auger (SV) viewed in the direction of travel (FR) with a first radius (RV), - a rear mixing auger (SH) viewed in the direction of travel (FR) with a second radius (RH), - and at least one middle mixing auger (SM) arranged between the front mixing auger (SV) and the rear mixing auger (SH) with a third radius (RM).In order to achieve the largest possible capacity in the mixing container with a predefined mixer wagon width and vehicle height, it is proposed that the third radius (RM) of at least one middle mixing screw (SM) is smaller than the first radius (RV) of the front mixing screw (SV) and/or the second radius (RH) of the rear mixing screw (SH).