Programmable Animal Feeder Cover for Remote Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feeders are ineffective in remote locations due to access by undesired animals and lack of protection from the elements, and they do not provide controlled feeding intervals for domesticated or undomesticated animals in unconfined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A programmable animal feeder with a protected reservoir and adjustable gravity-fed chute, equipped with a timer-controlled movable cover and solar-powered battery operation, which prevents access by undesired animals and protects the feed from rain, using a rain sensor to override the timer during precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the feeder is placed in remote un-penned locations for accessibility, then domesticated animals can access feed, but undesired animals like raccoons and wild pigs can also access the feed material
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder employs a moveable cover that transitions between open and closed positions based on programmed timing intervals. This dynamic mechanism allows the feeder to adapt its accessibility state, being open during designated feeding times for domesticated animals and closed at other times to prevent access by undesired animals, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection from harmful access.
2Ease of operation
If the trough is continuously open for ad libitem access, then domesticated animals have free feeding access, but feed material is exposed to damage by undesired animals and environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder implements periodic opening and closing of the trough cover according to pre-programmed time intervals. During designated feeding periods, the cover opens to allow domesticated animals access to feed. Outside these intervals, the cover closes to protect the feed material from environmental elements like rain and snow, as well as from damage by undesired animals. This periodic action resolves the contradiction between providing free feeding access and protecting against harmful exposure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a programmable timer controls the cover to limit feeding intervals, then access by undesired animals is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder system performs self-service through its programmable timer that automatically controls the actuator to open and close the cover according to pre-set schedules without requiring continuous human intervention. Once programmed, the system autonomously manages feeding intervals, reducing harmful access by undesired animals. This self-service capability justifies the increased device complexity by eliminating the need for constant manual monitoring and operation.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the feeder operates with battery and solar panel in remote locations, then continuous power is provided, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder system incorporates preliminary action by including a battery and solar panel configuration that is pre-installed and designed to provide continuous power operation in remote locations. The solar panel charges the battery during daylight hours, ensuring the programmable timer and actuator remain powered continuously without requiring grid connection. This preliminary power infrastructure resolves the contradiction between enabling continuous operation in remote locations and managing the associated increase in device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The feeder ensures controlled feeding intervals and protection from the elements, reducing feed spoilage and damage from undesired animals, while maintaining accessibility for intended animals, thus providing a reliable and efficient feeding solution for remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
the feeder includes a solar panel for recharging the battery
Implementation Method 2
a rain sensor which overrides the programmable timer to close the trough when rain is detected
Implementation Method 3
an actuator which closes and opens the cover of the trough
Implementation Method 4
Feed material from the reservoir exits by gravity through a gate or chute to a feed trough
Data Source
AI summary
An animal feeder for the feeding of animals in a remote location. The trough of the feeder has a retractable cover controlled by an actuator that is programmable to open the trough to allow feeding and close the trough to prevent feeding over desired intervals.