Automated Feed Bin Gate Design
Design Objectives
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Design a cost-effective, weather durable mechanism to be implemented in a mass production chicken facility’s feed storage system that will automatically close the slide gate of one bulk feed bin (for 6’-15’ diameter models) while simultaneously opening the gate of the adjacent bin when the first feed bin empties of fine grained and pelleted chicken feed
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Create an interface with the current climate control system (similar to Cumberland Pro Vision Environmental Controller) in the poultry house, that will initiate the start of the mechanism (described in objective 1) when the first feed bin is emptied, while also alerting the controller when both feed bins are empty.
Feed bin boot and slide gate
Measuring amount of feed left in bin
Existing climate control system
Design Constraints
Cumberland is a member of the GSI Group of companies and a major producer of commercial poultry production equipment, including feeding systems and storage. Large commercial broiler farms utilize mechanized feeding systems to deliver both fine grained and pelleted feed to the birds. Broilers are kept in houses equipped with sophisticated climate control systems and automated feeding systems supplied by large external dual feed bins. The first bin of the storage system feeds the auger conveyance system until empty, then the second bin is opened. Feed bin transition requires a manual closing and opening of the bins. If not done immediately, a lapse in feeding of the broilers occurs, resulting in smaller birds and a consequent decrease in profit for the farmers. Automating this process, per Cumberland’s request, will ensure that the birds do not go without feed. Our goal is to detect when the first of the tandem tanks is empty and initiate the start of a mechanism that will automate movement of the slide gates. A control algorithm with sensors will be incorporated into the current climate control system. This interface will also signal the controller when both feed bins are empty, alerting the farmer that one or both bins need to be refilled. The design will take into account several constraints including: ease of use, compatibility with the existing system, durability, user safety and cost-effectiveness.