Engineering, Energy, Transport AIC

Ihor KUPCHUK – Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Engineering Mechanics and Technological Processes in the Agricultural Industry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Vinnytsia National Agrarian University (3, Sonychna St., Vinnytsia, 21008, Ukraine, e-mail: kupchuk.igor@i.ua; http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2973-6914).

In modern livestock production, the efficiency of farming largely depends on the quality of total mixed rations (TMR). Vertical TMR mixers occupy a leading position among technical equipment for this process, as they are capable of simultaneously working with coarse, succulent, and concentrated feeds. Nevertheless, their operation still exhibits certain limitations, such as the formation of stagnant zones in the hopper, uneven mixing of components, and excessive grinding of some ingredients. These shortcomings reduce overall productivity and increase energy consumption, which underscores the relevance of a systematic analysis of existing design solutions.
The research was carried out on the basis of patent searches and a review of scientific and technical information. The analysis covered inventions registered in leading patent offices (USPTO, EPO, WIPO, Canadian Patents Database), as well as the practical experience of major agricultural machinery manufacturers. The review demonstrated that the most common improvements are aimed at optimizing auger performance in the lower part of the hopper, where the main feed flows are formed. Among such solutions are the use of guiding plates and segments, variation of flight pitch along the auger height, application of multi-flight configurations, asymmetric edges, and auxiliary disc elements. A significant improvement is the integration of continuous cutting edges along the entire periphery of the flight, ensuring uniform cutting of fibrous feed. Some companies also introduce multifunctional knives and adaptive components that simultaneously cut and direct feed material. These solutions improve mixing intensity, shorten the cycle time, and reduce energy use, although in most cases they remain localized and do not ensure a systemic improvement.
The analysis of patent claims and technical sources revealed several directions that remain promising for further engineering developments. These include the creation of integrated augers combining multiple known principles into a single design, development of flights with innovative curvature and profiles, and application of adjustable or adaptive elements capable of modifying operating parameters depending on feed composition. Promising prospects also lie in the formation of combined vertical and horizontal flow circulation of feed material through guiding components and specific geometric configurations. Future research should focus on mathematical modeling and experimental testing to assess the influence of such solutions on feed quality, equipment durability, and overall energy efficiency. This opens a path toward developing next-generation high-performance feed mixers.

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