Volume Dosing Device with Height-Adjustable Partition for Precision Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volume dosers for livestock feeding systems, particularly in pig farming, are not suitable for reliably providing very small amounts of feed, as they often lack precision and consistency in dosing.
Innovation Solution
A volume doser with a feed container divided into two sections, featuring a height-adjustable partition and a closure element, allowing for precise adjustment of feed volume by altering the partition's position to accommodate different bulk densities of feed, enabling reliable and accurate dispensing of both small and large feed quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing volumetric dosing systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the dosing precision for very small amounts of feed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The feed container is divided into two separate container sections (first container section and second container section) that can be independently filled and emptied. This segmentation allows precise control of small feed volumes by filling only the first container section while keeping the second section empty, thereby achieving accurate dosing for restrictive feeding without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
A height-adjustable partition wall is introduced that can be positioned at different heights to create variable volume configurations. The partition wall's adjustable position allows the system to adapt to different bulk densities of feed and different dosing requirements, enabling precise measurement of small volumes while maintaining system flexibility
2Quantity of substance
If the feed container is filled completely, then the feed supply is sufficient, but the dosing accuracy for small amounts of feed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into two distinct sections that can be independently controlled. The first container section can be filled to a precise level for small doses, while the second container section remains empty or is filled separately. This independent control allows the system to provide exact feed quantities without the interference of excess feed that would compromise dosing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The excess feed capacity is extracted and separated into the second container section, which can be independently managed. This allows the first container section to be dedicated solely to precise dosing measurements, while the second section serves as additional storage or for larger dose requirements, thereby maintaining dosing accuracy for small amounts
3Adaptability or versatility
If a height-adjustable partition wall is added, then the adaptability to different feed bulk densities is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A height-adjustable partition wall is introduced that can be positioned at different heights to create variable volume configurations. The partition wall's adjustable position allows the system to adapt to different bulk densities of feed and different dosing requirements, enabling precise measurement of small volumes while maintaining system flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The height-adjustable partition wall serves multiple functions: it adapts to different bulk densities of various feed types, enables precise dosing of small volumes, and can be adjusted to accommodate different total volume requirements. This single component provides versatility for handling different feed materials and dosing scenarios without requiring multiple separate systems
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 solution allows for reliable and cost-effective provision of precise feed volumes, enhancing animal welfare by ensuring accurate feeding, especially during restrictive feeding phases where small amounts are required, while maintaining a robust and easy-to-clean design.
Implementation Method 1
feed is delivered from the feed supply line to a feed trough, possibly via a downpipe, by gravity. Gravitational feed delivery refers, in particular, to feed delivery by means of gravity
Implementation Method 2
a closure element for closing the container opening is arranged on the partition wall
Implementation Method 3
a closable container opening which connects the first container section to the second container section for the gravity-feeding of feed from the first container section into the second container section
Data Source
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AI summary
Volumetric dispenser (9) for a feeding system (10) for providing feed, in particular dry feed for pigs, especially for individual animal feeding, the volumetric dispenser comprising a feed container (900) with a first container section (100) with a feed inlet (110) and a second container section (200) with a closable feed outlet (210) for gravity dispensing of feed (F), wherein the first container section has a closable container opening (120) which connects the first container section (100) with the second container section (200) for a gravity passage of feed (F) from the first container section (100) into the second container section (200), wherein a height-adjustable partition (301) is arranged between the first and the second container section, and wherein a closing element for closing the container opening (120) is arranged on the partition.