A bird feeder with squirrel repelling mechanism and method of use

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of bird feeder, in particular to a bird feeder with squirrel expelling mechanism and a use method thereof. The bird feeder with squirrel expelling mechanism comprises a bird feeder body, a squirrel expelling mechanism for expelling squirrels and an identification device for identifying squirrels; wherein the squirrel expelling mechanism and the identification device are connected with the bird feeder body, and the identification device controls the squirrel expelling mechanism to expel squirrels after identifying squirrels. The bird feeder with squirrel expelling mechanism identifies squirrels through the identification device, and then controls the squirrel expelling mechanism to operate and expel squirrels after confirming that the target is a squirrel, so as to prevent squirrels from stealing bird food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bird feeder technology, specifically to a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Bird feeders are devices specifically designed for wild birds to provide food in outdoor environments such as yards or parks. These devices commonly come in hanging or standing forms and are typically filled with a variety of seeds, grains, or nuts to attract a diverse range of birds to forage. By observing the birds' natural behavior and beautiful plumage, people can enjoy the pleasure of being close to nature while providing the birds with essential food support.

[0003] While bird feeders are beneficial for attracting and supporting birds, they often face interference from small animals such as squirrels during practical use. Squirrels are drawn to the food in the feeders, using their excellent climbing and jumping abilities to approach the feeding point and consume large amounts of food originally intended for birds. This interference not only affects the food supply for birds but may also cause birds to avoid the feeding point, thus reducing the effectiveness of the bird feeder. Therefore, developing a bird feeder that effectively prevents squirrels from approaching and interfering with the feeding process is crucial for maintaining its functionality and improving its efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism and its usage method, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a bird feeder with a squirrel repelling mechanism, comprising a bird feeder body, a squirrel repelling mechanism for repelling squirrels, and an identification device for identifying squirrels.

[0006] The squirrel-repelling mechanism and the identification device are both connected to the bird feeder body. After the identification device identifies a squirrel, it controls the squirrel-repelling mechanism to drive the squirrel away.

[0007] Preferably, the bird feeder body includes an outer shell, an inner shell, and a feed box; the outer shell is connected to the inner shell, the inner shell has a recess, a feed storage space is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell, the feed box is connected to the outer shell and the inner shell, the feed box is located outside the outer shell and the inner shell and forms a bird feeding area, the bird feeding area is connected to the feed storage space, the identification device is installed in the recess, and the squirrel repelling mechanism is connected to the bottom of the feed box.

[0008] Preferably, the material box is connected to a support member, which is a mesh structure; a cover is detachably connected to the outer shell.

[0009] Preferably, a bird feeder with a squirrel deterrent mechanism further includes a mounting base connected to the bird feeder body, the mounting base being L-shaped.

[0010] Preferably, the squirrel deterrence mechanism includes a first motor and a deterrence lever, the first motor being connected to the deterrence lever and used to drive the deterrence lever to swing; the deterrence lever includes a connecting part, a first bending part, a second bending part, a first actuating part, and a second actuating part, the connecting part being connected to the output end of the first motor.

[0011] Preferably, a drive cavity is installed at the bottom of the bird feeder body, and the output end of the first motor is connected to the connecting part through a torque converter; the torque converter is disposed inside the drive cavity.

[0012] The torque converter includes an input shaft, a transmission shaft, an output shaft, a first driving gear, a second driving gear, a driven gear, a first transmission gear, a second transmission gear, a third transmission gear, a sliding sleeve, a connecting handle, and an electric push rod. The input shaft is connected to the output end of the first motor. The first driving gear and the second driving gear are both mounted on the input shaft. The output shaft is connected to the connecting part. The driven gear is mounted on the output shaft. The first transmission gear is connected to the transmission shaft and meshes with the driven gear. The transmission shaft has strip-shaped protrusions arranged in a ring-shaped, equidistant array. The sliding sleeve has a groove matching the strip-shaped protrusion. The sliding sleeve is fitted onto the drive shaft and slidably connected to the drive shaft via the strip-shaped protrusion. Both the second and third drive gears are connected to the sliding sleeve. The pitch circle diameter of the first drive gear is larger than that of the second drive gear. The pitch circle diameter of the second drive gear meshes with that of the first drive gear. The pitch circle diameter of the third drive gear is the same as that of the second drive gear. The connecting handle is rotatably connected to the sliding sleeve, and the electric push rod is connected to the connecting handle.

[0013] Preferably, a second motor is provided inside the first actuating part, the second actuating part is rotatably connected to the first actuating part, and the output end of the second motor is connected to the second actuating part to drive the second actuating part to rotate.

[0014] Preferably, the identification device includes:

[0015] Infrared sensors are used to continuously monitor moving infrared heat sources within the food dish area;

[0016] The camera is linked with an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects a moving infrared heat source, the camera is automatically activated to capture an image of that area.

[0017] The image transmission module is used to transmit images captured by the camera to the server backend in real time;

[0018] The control module automatically activates the squirrel-repelling mechanism of the bird feeder when it is confirmed that a squirrel exists in the image, based on the recognition results from the server backend.

[0019] The server backend is equipped with an AI algorithm model to analyze the transmitted images and identify whether a squirrel is present.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method for using a bird feeder with a squirrel deterrent mechanism, the method comprising the following steps:

[0021] Step 1. The identification device monitors whether there are squirrels present at the location of the bird feeder.

[0022] Step 2. Once the identification device detects a squirrel, it controls the squirrel-repelling mechanism to drive the squirrel away, ensuring that the squirrel is effectively kept away from the bird feeding area.

[0023] Preferably, step two includes:

[0024] Step 2A: When the identification device detects a squirrel, the control module instructs the squirrel removal mechanism to activate; the first motor drives the removal lever to swing for the first time through the torque-changing mechanism.

[0025] Step 2B: If the squirrel is not driven away, the identification device continues to monitor and send a signal to the control module; the control module adjusts its strategy, instructing the electric push rod to act on the connecting handle, causing the sliding sleeve to move along the transmission shaft, thereby adjusting the meshing state of the third transmission gear and the first driving gear, and making the second transmission gear mesh with the second driving gear. This configuration increases the torque of the drive lever.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] This invention provides a method for using a bird feeder equipped with a squirrel deterrence mechanism. The bird feeder with the squirrel deterrence mechanism identifies squirrels through an identification device, and after confirming that the target is a squirrel, it controls the operation of the squirrel deterrence mechanism to drive the squirrel away and prevent the squirrel from stealing the bird food.

[0028] The first motor drives the connecting part to rotate, and this motion is effectively transmitted to the first actuating part through the design of the first and second bending parts. The first actuating part then drives the second actuating part to perform reciprocating oscillations. This continuous power transmission mechanism not only enhances the response speed of the device but also ensures that the oscillation force is sufficient to drive away squirrels while avoiding harm to birds. Through this design, the squirrel deterrent mechanism can respond quickly and effectively to squirrel intrusions, protect bird food from being stolen, and maintain a safe and friendly environment for the bird feeder.

[0029] Furthermore, this invention employs a gradual repelling strategy, prioritizing the use of smaller triggering forces to attempt to repel the squirrel. This approach minimizes the risk of unnecessary harm to the squirrel. Initially, the torque applied to the repelling lever is relatively low, sufficient to handle small or slightly intrusive squirrels.

[0030] A method of using a bird feeder equipped with a squirrel deterrent mechanism involves swinging a deterrent lever to repel squirrels, ensuring that squirrels are effectively kept away from the bird feeding area. The instant activation of the squirrel deterrent mechanism and the design of the deflector lever's movement allow for direct and effective squirrel removal. The mechanism operates quickly and specifically, ensuring that squirrels leave the feeding area swiftly, thereby effectively protecting the food supply to the bird feeding area from disruption. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a squirrel-repelling lever with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the torque converter and the first motor of a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the torque-changing mechanism of a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the torsion mechanism of a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a system block diagram of a bird feeder identification device with a squirrel deterrent mechanism according to the present invention.

[0039] In the diagram: 1-Bird feeder body, 11-Outer shell, 12-Inner shell, 13-Feed box, 14-Supporting component, 15-Cover, 2-Squirrel deflection mechanism, 21-Deflection lever, 211-Connecting part, 212-First bending part, 213-Second bending part, 214-First actuating part, 215-Second actuating part, 216-Second motor, 22-First motor, 23-Torque conversion mechanism, 231-Input shaft, 232-Drive shaft, 233-Output shaft 234-First driving gear, 235-Second driving gear, 236-Driven gear, 237-First transmission gear, 238-Second transmission gear, 239-Third transmission gear, 2310-Sliding sleeve, 2311-Connecting handle, 2312-Electric push rod, 2313-Strip protrusion, 3-Identification device, 31-Infrared sensor, 32-Camera, 33-Image transmission module, 34-Control module, 4-Mounting base, 5-Drive cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Please see Figures 1-8 This invention provides a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism, comprising a bird feeder body 1, a squirrel-repelling mechanism 2 for repelling squirrels, and an identification device 3 for identifying squirrels; wherein the squirrel-repelling mechanism 2 and the identification device 3 are both connected to the bird feeder body 1. When the identification device 3 detects a squirrel, it activates the squirrel-repelling mechanism 2, thereby performing the operation of repelling the squirrel.

[0042] During the use of the bird feeder, the bird feeder body 1 needs to be installed in a suitable feeding location, such as on a building or tree trunk. This is intended to facilitate birds eating and also make it easy for people to observe the birds. When a squirrel attempts to reach the bird feeder and snatch the birdseed, the identification device 3 will identify the squirrel. After confirming that the target is a squirrel, the squirrel-repelling mechanism 2 will be activated to drive the squirrel away and prevent it from stealing the birdseed.

[0043] In one optional implementation, the bird feeder body 1 includes an outer shell 11, an inner shell 12, and a feed box 13. The outer shell 11 is connected to the inner shell 12, and a recess 121 is provided in the inner shell 12, forming a storage space for storing bird food together with the outer shell 11. The feed box 13 is connected to the outer shell 11 and the inner shell 12, partially located outside the outer shell 11 and the inner shell 12, and constitutes a bird feeding area, which is directly connected to the storage space. An identification device 3 is installed in the recess 121 of the inner shell 12, and a squirrel repelling mechanism 2 is connected to the bottom of the feed box 13.

[0044] During use, the storage space is filled with birdseed, which flows naturally into the feed box 13 through a structure connected to the storage space, forming a feeding area for birds. The identification device 3 is responsible for monitoring the dynamics of the feed box 13 area, especially identifying squirrels that may intrude. Once the identification device 3 detects a squirrel and confirms its identity, it will activate the squirrel deflection mechanism 2. The squirrel deflection mechanism 2 will take necessary deflection actions to prevent the squirrel from approaching the feeding area and stealing the birdseed, ensuring the safe supply of birdseed to the birds.

[0045] As an optional implementation, the feed box 13 is connected to a mesh-structured support 14, which is designed to allow birds to easily stand on it. The outer shell 11 is equipped with a removable cover 15, which allows the user to easily fill the space between the outer shell 11 and the inner shell 12 with bird food. This ensures that the bird food is effectively stored in the feed space, while also facilitating maintenance and replenishment.

[0046] This design not only optimizes the convenience of feeding but also enhances the practicality of the bird feeder, making the feeding process more humane and safer. The mesh support 14 allows birds to perch comfortably and eat.

[0047] As an optional implementation, a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism also includes a mounting base 4 connected to the bird feeder body 1. The mounting base 4 is designed with an L-shaped structure. The mounting base 4 is mainly used to securely connect the bird feeder to a tree trunk or building. For this purpose, the mounting base 4 has several pre-drilled mounting holes for fixing the mounting base 4 to the tree trunk or building with screws. In this way, the bird feeder body 1 can be stably connected to the mounting base 4, ensuring the stability and safety of the bird feeder when used outdoors.

[0048] As an optional implementation, the squirrel-repelling mechanism 2 includes a first motor 22 and a repelling lever 21. The first motor 22 is connected to the repelling lever 21 and is responsible for driving the repelling lever 21 to swing effectively, thereby repelling the squirrel. The repelling lever 21 is designed to include a connecting part 211, a first bending part 212, a second bending part 213, a first actuating part 214, and a second actuating part 215, wherein the connecting part 211 is directly connected to the output end of the first motor 22.

[0049] During operation, when the first motor 22 starts, it drives the connecting part 211 to rotate. This action is effectively transmitted to the first actuating part 214 through the design of the first bending part 212 and the second bending part 213. The first actuating part 214 then drives the second actuating part 215 to perform reciprocating oscillation. This continuous power transmission mechanism not only enhances the response speed of the device but also ensures that the oscillation force is sufficient to drive away squirrels while avoiding harm to birds. Through this design, the squirrel repelling mechanism 2 can respond quickly and effectively to squirrel intrusion, protect bird food from being stolen, and maintain a safe and friendly environment for the bird feeder.

[0050] As an optional implementation, the bottom of the bird feeder body 1 is equipped with a drive cavity 5, wherein the output end of the first motor 22 is connected to the connecting part 211 through a torque-changing mechanism 23. The torque-changing mechanism 23 is installed inside the drive cavity 5, and its main function is to adjust the rotational torque of the deflector lever 21 to adapt to the deflection requirements under different conditions.

[0051] During operation, when the first motor 22 starts driving, the torque-changing mechanism 23 precisely controls the rotational torque, enabling the deflector lever 21 to effectively move and drive away squirrels approaching the bird feeder. If the squirrel is not driven away on the first attempt or continues to approach, the torque-changing mechanism 23 automatically increases the rotational torque of the lever 21 to ensure the squirrel is effectively driven away. This intelligent adjustment mechanism not only improves the deflection efficiency but also ensures sufficient force in the action, while avoiding harm to the birds and the bird feeder itself, maintaining a harmonious and safe feeding environment.

[0052] The torque converter 23 includes an input shaft 231, a transmission shaft 232, an output shaft 233, a first driving gear 234, a second driving gear 235, a driven gear 236, a first transmission gear 237, a second transmission gear 238, a third transmission gear 239, a sliding sleeve 2310, a connecting handle 2311, and an electric push rod 2312. The input shaft 231 is directly connected to the output end of the first motor 22, while the first driving gear 234 and the second driving gear 235 are both mounted on the input shaft 231. The output shaft 233 is connected to the connecting part 211 via the driven gear 236, which meshes with the first transmission gear 237, which is connected to the transmission shaft 232.

[0053] On the drive shaft 232, there are strip-shaped protrusions 2313 arranged in an equidistant ring. The sliding sleeve 2310 has corresponding strip-shaped grooves inside, allowing the sliding sleeve 2310 to be fitted onto and slidably connected to the drive shaft 232 via the strip-shaped protrusions 2313. The second drive gear 238 and the third drive gear 239 are both connected to the sliding sleeve 2310. The pitch circle diameter of the first drive gear 234 is larger than that of the second drive gear 235, so that the pitch circle diameter of the second drive gear 238 meshes with that of the first drive gear 234, while the pitch circle diameter of the third drive gear 239 is the same as that of the second drive gear 235. The connecting handle 2311 is rotatably connected to the sliding sleeve 2310, and the electric push rod 2312 is connected to the connecting handle 2311.

[0054] The working process of this system is described in further detail below: After the first motor 22 starts, it drives the input shaft 231 to rotate. In the initial state, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first driving gear 234 meshes with the third transmission gear 239. The input shaft 231 drives the first driving gear 234 to rotate, which in turn drives the third transmission gear 239 to rotate. Subsequently, the third transmission gear 239 drives the sliding sleeve 2310 to rotate, and the sliding sleeve 2310 further drives the transmission shaft 232 to rotate through its internal strip-shaped protrusion 2313. The transmission shaft 232 then drives the first transmission gear 237 to rotate, which meshes with the driven gear 236, thereby pushing the output shaft 233 and the connected deflector lever 21 to perform a rotational action. Changing the rotation direction of the output end of the first motor 22 changes the rotation direction of the deflector lever 21. By repeatedly and alternately changing the rotation direction of the output end of the first motor 22, the deflector lever 21 can be made to swing.

[0055] In this configuration, the swing of the deflector lever 21 has sufficient torque for basic deflection. However, if the identification device 3 detects that the deflector lever 21 fails to effectively deflect the squirrel, the electric push rod 2312 is activated. The electric push rod 2312 pushes the connecting handle 2311, causing the connecting handle 2311 to drive the sliding sleeve 2310 to slide along the drive shaft 232. This movement causes the third transmission gear 239 inside the sliding sleeve 2310 to disengage from the first drive gear 234, while simultaneously causing the second transmission gear 238 to mesh with the second drive gear 235. The rotation of the second drive gear 235 drives the second transmission gear 238 to rotate, which in turn drives the drive shaft 232 to rotate. The drive shaft 232 then drives the output shaft 233 to rotate, which in turn drives the deflector lever 21 to rotate. Since the pitch circle diameter of the first drive gear 234 is larger than that of the second drive gear 235, this configuration amplifies the torque of the deflector lever 21 through the second transmission gear 238. This enhanced torque allows the deflector lever 21 to swing with greater force, effectively driving the squirrel away completely and ensuring the normal operation of the bird feeder and the safety of the bird food.

[0056] This implementation employs a gradual deterrence strategy, prioritizing the use of smaller triggering forces to attempt to drive away the squirrel. This approach minimizes the risk of causing unnecessary harm to the squirrel. Initially, the torque required to operate the deterrence lever 21 is relatively small, sufficient to handle small or slightly intrusive squirrels.

[0057] If, after the initial operation, the identification device 3 detects that the squirrel has not been driven away, the system automatically adjusts, increasing the torque of the repelling lever 21. During this process, the electric push rod 2312 is activated, pushing the connecting handle 2311, causing the sliding sleeve 2310 to move along the drive shaft 232. This movement disengages the third transmission gear 239 within the sliding sleeve 2310 from the first drive gear 234, and engages the second transmission gear 238 with the second drive gear 235, thereby increasing the torque of the repelling lever 21. The increased torque ensures that even larger squirrels can be effectively driven away, effectively repelling them and protecting bird food and the safety of birds.

[0058] This implementation method employs a gradual repulsion strategy to achieve efficient and humane removal of squirrels, yielding significant beneficial effects. Firstly, by initially using a small amount of torque to attempt to remove the squirrels, this method not only effectively avoids harming them but also ensures a harmonious and safe environment around the bird feeder. This has important ecological significance for protecting wildlife and their habitats.

[0059] Secondly, for larger or more stubborn squirrels, if the initial attempt to drive them away fails, the system can automatically adjust and increase the torque of the deterrent lever 21. This increased torque ensures that the squirrels are effectively driven away without causing additional harm, thus protecting the bird food in the feeding area from being stolen. This intelligently adjustable deterrent mechanism not only improves the efficiency of the bird feeder but also enhances the equipment's adaptability to different situations.

[0060] Overall, this design takes into account both animal protection and resource conservation needs. Through intelligent control and humane methods of dispersal, it achieves the goal of protecting birds' food sources while minimizing disturbance to other animals, demonstrating a combination of environmental protection and technological innovation.

[0061] As an optional implementation, a second motor 216 is installed inside the first actuating part 214, while the second actuating part 215 is rotatably connected to the first actuating part 214. The output of the second motor 216 is directly connected to the second actuating part 215, responsible for driving its rotation. This configuration allows the second motor 216 to not only drive the first actuating part 214 to rotate during the process of repelling the squirrel, but also to precisely adjust its angle.

[0062] Through this angle-adjustable mechanism, the first actuating part 214 can more flexibly adapt to squirrels of different sizes and movement patterns, thereby improving the deterrent effect. This design enhances the adaptability and efficiency of the deterrent mechanism, ensuring that squirrels are effectively prevented from encroaching on the bird feeding area while minimizing harm to them. Furthermore, this adjustable angle function allows the bird feeder to be more widely adapted to various installation locations and environments, further enhancing its practicality and flexibility.

[0063] As an optional implementation, the identification device 3 includes:

[0064] Infrared sensor 31: This sensor is used to continuously monitor moving heat sources, such as small animals like squirrels, within the feeding area. It can detect infrared radiation generated by body temperature, thus effectively detecting animals immediately when they enter the monitoring area. This infrared sensor 31 is a PIR infrared motion monitoring sensor.

[0065] Camera 32: Linked with infrared sensor 31. When infrared sensor 31 detects a moving heat source, camera 32 automatically activates and captures real-time images of the area. This allows the system to visually identify animals entering the bird feeding area.

[0066] Image transmission module 33: Responsible for transmitting images captured by camera 32 to the server backend in real time. This module ensures fast and secure transmission of image data for further analysis.

[0067] Server Backend: The server is equipped with an AI algorithm model specifically optimized for smart bird feeder scenarios. This model can analyze images received from the image transmission module 33 and accurately identify whether a squirrel exists in the image. The design of this AI model focuses on improving the accuracy of recognition and reducing the false alarm rate to ensure that the deflection mechanism is activated only when a squirrel is actually detected.

[0068] Control module 34: Based on the recognition results from the server backend, when a squirrel is confirmed to be present in the image, control module 34 will automatically activate the squirrel deterrence mechanism of the bird feeder. This includes activating the deterrence lever 21 and its related mechanisms, such as the first motor 22 and the second motor 216 mentioned above, as well as the torque-changing mechanism 23, thereby adjusting the torque and angle of the deterrence lever 21 to effectively deter the squirrel.

[0069] To elaborate further, the server backend is primarily responsible for receiving, processing, and analyzing data transmitted from identification devices (such as cameras and infrared sensors).

[0070] The server backend receives real-time image data from the bird feeder camera 32 via the image transmission module 33, and may also receive motion data from other sensors, such as the infrared sensor 31. The server backend is equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) model specifically optimized for identifying squirrels and other potentially invasive animals. This AI model uses deep learning technology and is trained on a large dataset of animal images to distinguish between squirrels, birds, and other animals. The model is designed to improve recognition accuracy and reduce the possibility of false positives and false negatives. Upon receiving image data, the AI ​​model analyzes the image content to determine the presence of a squirrel. The analysis process includes detecting features such as animal shape, size, and movement patterns in the image to ensure accurate identification. Once the AI ​​model confirms the presence of a squirrel in the image, the server backend sends a signal to the bird feeder's control module 34, instructing it to activate the squirrel deterrent mechanism 2. Upon receiving the signal, the deterrent mechanism executes the corresponding deterrent action according to a pre-set program (e.g., initially using a small deterrent force, gradually increasing it if unsuccessful). The server backend also includes functions for maintaining and updating the AI ​​model. By continuously collecting feedback data during use, the backend can iteratively optimize the AI ​​model, improving its adaptability and accuracy.

[0071] The present invention also provides a method for using a bird feeder with a squirrel deterrent mechanism, the method comprising the following steps:

[0072] Step 1: Activate the identification device 3 to continuously monitor the area around the bird feeder body 1 to detect whether a squirrel has entered the bird feeding area.

[0073] Step 2: Once the identification device 3 detects a squirrel, it immediately activates the squirrel repelling mechanism 2. The squirrel repelling mechanism 2 performs a repelling operation on the squirrel by swinging the repelling lever 21, ensuring that the squirrel is effectively kept away from the bird feeding area.

[0074] To go further, step two includes:

[0075] Step 2A: Once the identification device 3 detects the squirrel's activity, the control module 34 immediately activates the squirrel deterrence mechanism 2 to begin the basic deterrence operation. This operation is performed by the first motor 22, which precisely controls the initial low-torque swing of the deterrence lever 21 through the torque-changing mechanism 23, attempting to deter the squirrel in a gentle manner, thereby effectively reducing potential harm to the animal, while also reducing the noise and vibration of the device, enhancing user experience and animal welfare.

[0076] Step 2B: If Step 2A fails to repel the squirrel, the identification device 3 continues to monitor and send a signal to the control module 34 indicating the squirrel's continued presence. In response, the control module 34 adjusts the repulsion strategy, activating the electric push rod 2312. This push rod acts on the connecting handle 2311, causing the sliding sleeve 2310 to move along the drive shaft 232. This displacement alters the transmission configuration, disengaging the third transmission gear 239 from the first drive gear 234 and engaging the second transmission gear 238 with the second drive gear 235. This adjustment increases the torque of the repulsion lever 21 via the second transmission gear 238, thereby applying a stronger repulsion force to larger or more stubborn squirrels, ensuring effective squirrel removal while protecting bird food from disturbance. This phased force adjustment not only improves the repulsion effect but also optimizes energy use, making the equipment more economical and environmentally friendly.

[0077] It should be noted that in this paper, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

Claims

1. A bird feeder with a squirrel deterrent mechanism, comprising a bird feeder body (1), characterized in that, It also includes a squirrel deterrence mechanism (2) for deterring squirrels and an identification device (3) for identifying squirrels. The squirrel driving mechanism (2) and the identification device (3) are both connected to the bird feeder body (1). After the identification device (3) identifies the squirrel, it controls the squirrel driving mechanism (2) to drive the squirrel away. The squirrel driving mechanism (2) includes a first motor (22) and a driving lever (21). The first motor (22) is connected to the driving lever (21), and the first motor (22) is used to drive the driving lever (21) to swing. The driving lever (21) includes a connecting part (211), a first bending part (212), a second bending part (213), a first actuating part (214), and a second actuating part (215). The connecting part (211) is connected to the output end of the first motor (22). The bottom of the bird feeder body (1) is equipped with a drive cavity (5), and the output end of the first motor (22) is connected to the connecting part (211) through a torque converter (23); the torque converter (23) is located inside the drive cavity (5); The torque converter (23) includes an input shaft (231), a transmission shaft (232), an output shaft (233), a first driving gear (234), a second driving gear (235), a driven gear (236), a first transmission gear (237), a second transmission gear (238), a third transmission gear (239), a sliding sleeve (2310), a connecting handle (2311), and an electric push rod (2312). The input shaft (231) is connected to the output end of the first motor (22). The first driving gear (234) and the second driving gear (235) are both mounted on the input shaft (231). The output shaft (233) is connected to the connecting part (211). The driven gear (236) is mounted on the output shaft (233). The first transmission gear (237) is connected to the transmission shaft (232) and meshes with the driven gear (236). The transmission shaft (232) is provided with... The sliding sleeve (2310) has a groove matching the strip protrusions (2313) arranged in a ring-shaped equidistant array. The sliding sleeve (2310) is sleeved on the transmission shaft (232) and slidably connected to the transmission shaft (232) through the strip protrusions (2313). The second transmission gear (238) and the third transmission gear (239) are both connected to the sliding sleeve (2310). The first driving gear (2310) has a groove matching the strip protrusions (2313) arranged in a ring-shaped equidistant array. The first driving gear (2310) has a groove matching the strip protrusions (2313) arranged in a ring-shaped equidistant array. The second transmission gear (238) and the third transmission gear (239) are both connected to the sliding sleeve (2310). 4) The pitch circle diameter is greater than the pitch circle diameter of the second driving gear (235), the pitch circle diameter of the second transmission gear (238) meshes with the pitch circle diameter of the first driving gear (234), the pitch circle diameter of the third transmission gear (239) is the same as the pitch circle diameter of the second driving gear (235); the connecting handle (2311) is rotatably connected to the sliding sleeve (2310), and the electric push rod (2312) is connected to the connecting handle (2311).

2. A bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bird feeder body (1) includes an outer shell (11), an inner shell (12), and a feed box (13); the outer shell (11) is connected to the inner shell (12), a recess (121) is provided in the inner shell (12), a storage space is formed between the inner shell (12) and the outer shell (11), the feed box (13) is connected to the outer shell (11) and the inner shell (12), the feed box (13) is partially located outside the outer shell (11) and the inner shell (12) and forms a bird feeding area, the bird feeding area is connected to the storage space, the identification device (3) is installed in the recess (121), and the squirrel repelling mechanism (2) is connected to the bottom of the feed box (13).

3. A bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The material box (13) is connected to a support member (14), which is a mesh structure; a cover (15) is detachably connected to the outer shell (11).

4. A bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting base (4) connected to the bird feeder body (1), the mounting base (4) being L-shaped.

5. A bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first actuating part (214) is provided with a second motor (216), the second actuating part (215) is rotatably connected to the first actuating part (214), and the output end of the second motor (216) is connected to the second actuating part (215) to drive the second actuating part (215) to rotate.

6. A bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The identification device (3) includes: Infrared sensor (31) is used to continuously monitor infrared moving heat sources within the food dish area; The camera (32) is linked with the infrared sensor (31). When the infrared sensor (31) detects an infrared moving heat source, the camera (32) is automatically activated to capture the image of the area. Image transmission module (33) is used to transmit images captured by the camera to the server backend in real time; The control module (34) automatically activates the squirrel-repelling mechanism of the bird feeder when it is confirmed that there is a squirrel in the image, based on the recognition results of the server backend. The server backend is equipped with an AI algorithm model to analyze the transmitted images and identify whether a squirrel is present.

7. A method of using a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism, characterized in that, This method is applicable to the bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and the method includes the following steps: The method includes the following steps: Step 1. The identification device (3) monitors whether there is a squirrel at the bird feeder body (1); Step 2. When the identification device (3) identifies the squirrel, it controls the squirrel removal mechanism (2) to perform the operation of removing the squirrel, ensuring that the squirrel is effectively removed from the bird feeding area.

8. The method of using a bird feeder with a squirrel-repelling mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, Step two includes: Step 2A: When the identification device (3) detects a squirrel, the control module (34) instructs the squirrel driving mechanism (2) to activate; the first motor (22) drives the driving lever (21) to swing for the first time through the torque-changing mechanism (23); Step 2B: If the squirrel is not driven away, the identification device (3) continues to monitor and sends a signal to the control module (34); the control module (34) adjusts the strategy and instructs the electric push rod (2312) to act on the connecting handle (2311), driving the sliding sleeve (2310) to move along the transmission shaft (232), thereby adjusting the meshing state of the third transmission gear (239) and the first driving gear (234), and making the second transmission gear (238) mesh with the second driving gear (235), thereby increasing the torque of the driving lever (21) through this configuration.

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