Animal Feeder Bumper and Panel System for Chewing Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Open top agricultural bins for animal feeders are prone to damage from chewing, wasteful, and inefficient, with feed being scattered by animals or blown away by wind, and require expensive modifications to restrict feed intake.

Innovation Solution

A custom-fit bumper with a wide, rounded top edge and side slots for an open work panel that discourages chewing and allows controlled access to feed, with the panel designed to move downward as feed is consumed and securely removable to prevent animal removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If open top bins are used for animal feeders, then feed accessibility is improved, but feed wastage increases due to scattering by animals and wind

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed accessibilityVSAvoidfeed wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The open top bin is segmented by adding a bumper around the perimeter and an open work panel with openings in the center. This segmentation allows animals to access feed through controlled openings while preventing them from pulling feed out and scattering it, thus maintaining ease of access while reducing wastage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The open work panel acts as an intermediary between the animals and the feed. It provides a controlled interface through which animals can reach feed while preventing excessive removal and scattering, mediating between full accessibility and feed conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If non-metallic feeders are used, then cost is reduced, but durability worsens due to chewing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges a durable metallic bumper with a less expensive open work panel to create a hybrid structure. The bumper provides chewing resistance and structural durability, while the panel provides cost-effective feed access control, combining the advantages of both materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder uses a composite construction combining metal bumper material for durability and resistance to chewing, with a less expensive panel material for the feed access portion, creating a structurally sound and cost-effective solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If metallic feeders are used, then durability is improved, but maintenance cost increases due to rust and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper is designed with a wide rounded top edge specifically at the location most susceptible to chewing damage. This localized design provides enhanced durability where needed most while using materials and construction appropriate only for that critical area, reducing overall material costs and maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If feed restrictors are added to control feed intake, then feed management is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed managementVSAvoidfeeder complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The open work panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to move downward as feed is consumed. This dynamic design automatically adjusts to feed levels without requiring complex mechanisms, providing adaptable feed management while maintaining simple construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The open work panel serves multiple functions: it restricts feed access to prevent wastage, allows controlled animal access through openings, and can be removed for refilling. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive feed management without requiring multiple separate components, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9345230B1Animal feeder

Publication Date: 2016.05.24 SEAVEY AUDETTE TRACIE BETH

AI summary

An animal feeder constructed of an open top feed bin with a bumper secured to the top edge of the bin. The bumper has a wide rounded or beveled top edge to discourage animals from chewing on it. A horizontal slot in the side of the bumper is provided to admit an open work panel to be inserted through the slot and into the open top of the bin. Once within the bin, the panel rest on the feed contained within the bin. Openings provided with the panel allow an animal to access the feed. The openings can be custom sized. The panel can be removed from the bin via the slot so that the bin can be refilled with feed. An optional cover can be attached to the top of the bumper to protect the feed from the weather or to prevent access to the feed by animals.