Bee Feeder Cover with Moat and Segmented Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pollen substitute containers require constant monitoring to prevent rain and moisture from entering while allowing bees access, which is inefficient and burdensome for beekeepers, and there is a need for a system that provides both pollen and nectar in a way that attracts and feeds bees while being decorative.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly for pollen containers that allows access while attached, featuring a convex lid with a cap element and climbing elements, and a combination feeder system with a nectar reservoir and pollen container that includes a dispensing tray with channels to prevent overcrowding, all designed to be decorative and functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is removed to allow bees access to pollen, then bees can freely access the container contents, but rain and moisture can enter and contaminate the pollen
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into multiple components: a base lid with opening, a cap element with climbing elements, and a moat structure. This segmentation allows different zones to serve different functions - the base lid provides access, the cap element with climbing structures guides bees, and the moat prevents water entry while maintaining bee access
Solution Approach 2:
The moat structure acts as an intermediary element between the opening and the pollen contents. It creates a water barrier that prevents rain from reaching the pollen while still allowing bees to cross and access the pollen through the opening in the base lid
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is kept on to protect pollen from rain, then the pollen remains dry, but bees cannot access the container contents
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure is divided into functional segments: the base lid provides the protective cover with an opening, the cap element adds the climbing structures for bee access, and the moat provides the water barrier. This segmentation allows the lid to simultaneously provide protection and access without requiring removal
Solution Approach 2:
The moat creates a vertical dimension barrier against water while maintaining horizontal access for bees. The cap element with climbing structures adds another dimensional aspect, providing a vertical pathway for bees to access the opening from above
3Productivity
If bees are allowed to congregate in large numbers to feed on liquid supplement, then more bees are attracted to the feeder, but bee mortality increases due to overcrowding and drowning
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing tray is segmented into multiple channels that distribute bees across different feeding zones. This segmentation prevents overcrowding at a single location and reduces the risk of bees drowning while maintaining high feeding activity across the entire tray
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing elements on the cap element provide a vertical dimension for bee access. Bees climb up the vertical surfaces to reach the opening and dispensing tray, distributing them across different height levels and reducing congestion at the feeding surface
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly for covering a container of pollen substitute comprises a lid member for engaging the container of pollen substitute. The lid member has an opening for bees to access the container contents and a removable cap element covers the lid member opening to divert water from entering the lid member opening while leaving a gap for bees to enter between the cap element and the lid member. A combination nectar feeder and pollen feeder is also provided. The cover assembly may be configured with ornamental shapes to approximate the design of a flower.