Wireless Livestock Feed Ration Weight Capture System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current livestock feeding operations face inefficiencies in accurately measuring and mixing feed rations, leading to unbalanced diets and reduced livestock growth, as existing technologies lack real-time tracking and synchronization of feed component weights and machine-to-machine integration in the supply chain.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, to capture, transfer, and process weight data from electronic scales, integrating with a mobile application and server-side application for precise control of the feed supply chain, ensuring accurate ingredient dosing and synchronization across machines and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual scale reading by operator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical reading process with an automated electronic system. Electronic scales with digital displays and wireless transmission capabilities substitute for manual scale reading, eliminating human error and improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate devices including electronic scales, wireless transmission modules, and mobile applications as mediators between the feed mixing process and the operator. These intermediaries automatically capture, transmit, and display weight information, improving measurement precision without requiring complex centralized control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time weight tracking system is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the real-time tracking system into independent, modular components: electronic scales for weight measurement, wireless transmission modules for data communication, mobile applications for data reception and display, and server-side applications for data processing. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently selected or replaced, improving manufacturing precision while keeping individual component complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal communication protocols and standardized interfaces that allow different devices (scales, mobile devices, servers) to interact through common standards. This multi-functionality approach enables the system to handle various feed components and mixing scenarios without requiring custom integration for each case, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If asynchronous data capture and wireless transfer is used, then productivity is improved, but loss of information may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where weight data is continuously captured, transmitted, and displayed in real-time during the feed mixing process. The system provides immediate feedback to operators through mobile applications, allowing for real-time verification and correction of weight measurements, thus improving productivity while preventing information loss through continuous monitoring and confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data validation and processing before final use. Weight data is captured, validated, and prepared in advance through the wireless transmission and mobile application layers, ensuring data integrity is established before the mixing process completes. This preliminary action prevents information loss by addressing potential errors early in the process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided in a framework and workflow for assisting in livestock feeding operations by tracking and weighing ingredients from an electronic scale associated with feed mixing equipment. The framework and workflow captures, transfers, stores and processes parameters for cattle feeder ration weight data collection. The method and system include initializing a collection of weight data related to components of a feed ration for a mixing of feed for livestock, capturing a scale identifier from a scale interface on mixing equipment, and capturing weight information from the scale interface as the components of a feed ration are loaded into the mixing equipment. Such information is broadcasted over a wireless radio communication connection, such as via a Bluetooth® device, to a mobile application, and displayed during feed mixing operation.