This invention is an attachment for animal feed mixers that improves how animal feed is prepared. It uses motor-driven, grooved rollers positioned at the mixer’s outlet gate to crush any whole grains that were not fully ground inside the mixer. By applying a second stage of grinding at the point where feed exits the machine, the system ensures that livestock receive feed that is more finely broken down, improving digestion and nutrient uptake. The design eliminates the typical conveyor belt used in conventional mixers and automatically adjusts the rollers’ spacing based on feed volume. The main benefits include more efficient feed utilization (reducing waste and lowering feed costs), faster animal growth due to better nutrient absorption, and reduced maintenance with a simpler design. Overall, the system is intended to help livestock farmers increase productivity and sustainability by maximizing the nutritional value of each batch of feed. This practical improvement is expected to be easy to adopt in existing livestock operations.
Problem
Traditional feed mixers often leave whole grains uncrushed, as noted, leading to inefficient feed utilization. The patent text explicitly cites wasted nutrients, slower livestock growth, higher feed costs, and lower productivity as key pain points.
Target Customers
The likely customers are livestock farmers and operators of feed mixers, who need more efficient feed processing. Equipment manufacturers in the agricultural machinery sector would also be interested. Specific customer types are not explicitly listed, but the description indicates broad use in the livestock industry.
Existing Solutions
Currently, animal feed mixers generally rely on conveyor belts and internal grinding to process feed. According to the text, these methods still allow some whole grains to pass through. The patent suggests that traditional mixers do not fully address the issue, but no specific prior solutions or brands are cited.
Market Context
This invention is aimed at the livestock feed market, which includes farms raising cattle, pigs, poultry, etc. Feed mixers are commonly used on large farms, so the potential market is sizable within agriculture. Exact market size or adoption rates are not given, but if effective, it could be widely used across livestock producers.
Regulatory Context
As agricultural machinery, this system would be subject to standard safety and equipment regulations. There are no special medical or environmental regulations mentioned, so the regulatory burden is likely low. Food/feed safety is a consideration, but the text does not indicate any specific compliance requirements.
Trends Impact
The technology aligns with trends in sustainable agriculture and efficiency. By reducing waste and improving feed utilization, it supports resource conservation and cost savings. Automation of farm processes is also a general trend, although this solution is more mechanical than digital.
Limitations Unknowns
The provided information lacks details on cost, durability, and performance metrics. It is unknown how much feed waste reduction can be achieved in practice. Market adoption depends on retrofit costs and compatibility with existing mixers, which are not specified. These uncertainties affect the assessment of commercial potential.
Rating
This invention addresses a real farming efficiency problem and offers clear operational benefits, but it appears to be an incremental mechanical improvement rather than a wholly new technology. Its strengths are straightforward cost savings and sustainability gains for farmers, using mature engineering. However, the idea is relatively easy to copy and its novelty over standard mixers is moderate. The market could be sizeable in agriculture, but details like adoption rate and exact market demand are unclear. Overall, the patent scores moderately well on practical value but with limitations in defensibility and uniqueness.
Problem Significance ( 7/10)
The description highlights that uncrushed grains in feed mixers cause wasted nutrients, slower growth, and higher costs. Feed cost is a major expense for farmers, so improving utilization addresses a real financial issue. This is an important operational problem for livestock producers, indicating a meaningful impact if solved.
Novelty & Inventive Step ( 5/10)
The invention adds a second crushing stage at the mixer outlet and removes the conveyor belt, which is somewhat new. However, it uses established components (rollers and motors) in a straightforward way. Based on the description, this is an incremental enhancement rather than a completely new concept. Without a clear prior-art discussion, its non-obviousness is moderate.
IP Strength & Breadth ( 4/10)
No specific claims are provided, making scope unclear. The core idea is a specific mechanical change (crushing at the outlet), which seems narrow. Competitors could likely work around the exact design (e.g. by using different mechanisms or placements). Therefore, the protection is probably limited and easy to design around.
Advantage vs Existing Solutions ( 7/10)
The design provides clear benefits over conventional mixers: it ensures more complete grain crushing and simplifies the mechanism by removing the conveyor. These changes should yield tangible improvements (better feed use, less waste, simpler maintenance). The advantages are meaningful but incremental, as it builds on existing mixer technology rather than replacing it entirely.
Market Size & Adoption Potential ( 7/10)
Livestock feeding equipment is a large market globally, since many farms use mixers. The invention fits broadly into this segment. However, no quantitative market data is given. Adoption depends on farmers and equipment makers recognizing value. If the system reliably saves feed costs, uptake could be substantial across various livestock sectors.
Implementation Feasibility & Cost ( 9/10)
The system relies on known mechanical and hydraulic components. No new technology breakthroughs are needed. It seems technically straightforward to integrate with existing mixers. Costs would come from adding the rollers and motors, but this is a standard engineering project. Based on the description, implementation appears very feasible.
Regulatory & Liability Friction ( 9/10)
As agricultural machinery, the roller system likely faces only normal equipment safety and hygiene standards. There are no special regulations mentioned. Liability risks are low beyond typical machine safety. Thus regulatory burden is minimal and not a major barrier based on provided information.
Competitive Defensibility (Real-World) ( 4/10)
This improvement is relatively simple and straightforward. Other equipment makers could add similar rollers or crushing steps. Without unique complexity or standards advantage, competitors can match the functionality. Therefore, the advantage may not last long unless backed by strong patents or brand adoption.
Versatility & Licensing Potential ( 4/10)
The invention is specific to particle processing in feed mixers. It has clear use in livestock feed (cattle, pigs, poultry, etc.), but little application beyond agriculture. Licensing would target farm equipment makers. There do not appear to be broad cross-industry applications, so the scope is fairly narrow.
Strategic & Impact Alignment ( 7/10)
The design explicitly aims to improve feed efficiency and reduce waste, which aligns with agricultural sustainability and efficiency trends. Improving resource utilization on farms is a positive social/environmental impact. The alignment is clear, though the invention is a fairly specific solution rather than a broad strategic shift.