Mechanical Switches Vs Capacitive Sensors

Damaged Mechanical Switches Cause Problems in Livestock Feed Lines

In the world of livestock production, efficient and reliable feed delivery systems are crucial. These systems often rely on sensors to regulate and monitor feed flow.

Among the most commonly used are mechanical switches and capacitive sensors. While each has its advantages, there are some distinct problems associated with mechanical switches compared to capacitive sensors.

Mechanical Switches: Prone to Wear and Tear

Mechanical switches function through physical contact, which inherently makes them prone to wear and tear. In a livestock feed line, these switches are subjected to constant movement and abrasive feed materials, leading to a gradual degradation of their components. Over time, this can result in:

Increased Maintenance

Frequent replacements and adjustments become necessary as parts wear out. This means more work and more unwanted disturbances to the livestock.

Inaccuracy

Worn-out switches may fail to accurately detect feed levels, leading to overfilling or underfeeding. Every farm manager knows that this will have a huge effect on the production since it increases the risk of mold formation in the litter, leads to feed spill, and influences the growth of the livestock significantly.

Downtime

Failure of a mechanical switch can halt the feeding process, leading to downtime in operations. As with inaccuracy, downtime will influence the growth of the livestock and in extreme conditions lead to a large production loss.

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