Avian Nesting Deterrent for Downspouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for deterring birds from nesting on downspouts are either not aesthetically pleasing, not durable, or not effective in preventing perching and nesting, posing challenges for property owners in maintaining the integrity and beauty of structures while avoiding contamination and damage.

Innovation Solution

A bird nest deterrent with two sloped planar sides that fit atop downspout components, forming an angular cross section with a pointed or curved apex, and profiled bottom edges that match standard gutter outlets and structures, secured with fasteners to eliminate the junction where downspouts meet the structure, effectively discouraging birds from nesting and perching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing bird deterrent devices are installed, then birds are deterred from nesting, but the aesthetic appearance of the structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in preventing bird nestingVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The deterrent device is designed to be substantially invisible or blend seamlessly with the downspout and surrounding structure through color matching and transparent or translucent materials, eliminating visual impact while maintaining bird-deterrent functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies deterrent features only at specific locations where birds would nest (at the junction of downspout and structure), rather than covering entire surfaces, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance in visible areas while preventing nesting at critical points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If existing bird deterrent devices are installed, then birds are deterred from nesting, but the device durability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in preventing bird nestingVSAvoiddevice durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The deterrent device incorporates multiple materials with complementary properties (transparent materials, weather-resistant coatings, durable fasteners) to achieve both high durability against environmental factors and long-term effectiveness in preventing bird nesting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with built-in protection against UV degradation, moisture damage, and physical wear from the outset, ensuring sustained functionality and aesthetic appearance over extended periods without degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If existing bird deterrent devices are installed, then birds are deterred from nesting, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in preventing bird nestingVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deterrent device is divided into modular components that can be independently installed at different stages, allowing for simplified installation process while maintaining complete functionality once assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes the existing downspout structure and junction points as intermediary attachment locations, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware or complex installation procedures while ensuring secure installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the downspout junction is left exposed, then installation is simple, but bird nesting is facilitated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidbird nesting and perching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deterrent device is installed during the initial downspout installation phase, proactively preventing bird nesting before it becomes a problem, rather than requiring retroactive modifications or additional installation steps later

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The deterrent functionality is merged with the existing downspout cover or junction cap, combining the protective cover function with the bird-deterrent function into a single integrated component that simplifies installation while effectively preventing nesting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10834915B1Avian nesting deterrent

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 TAMULEWICZ PAUL

AI summary

A device for deterring birds from nesting on a downspout of a home, building or other structure. The device includes a top edge configured to discourage birds from nesting and preferably perching thereon and a bottom edge adapted to be positioned on a downspout.