Pole-Mounted Bird Feeder Liquid Barrier Against Ant Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bird feeders, particularly those mounted on poles, are susceptible to insect infiltration, especially ants, which contaminate nectar in hummingbird feeders, and there is a need for a solution that addresses this issue while also providing aesthetic enhancement.
Innovation Solution
An insect infiltration protection apparatus comprising a reservoir with strengthening gussets and a bushing that mounts onto a pole, featuring a design that prevents insects from climbing up and includes an aesthetic ornamentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a pole mounted bird feeder is used, then bird feeding function is provided, but insects (ants) can crawl up the pole and contaminate the nectar
Solution Approach 1:
A protective barrier (reservoir with liquid barrier) is introduced as an intermediary element between the pole and the bird feeder. This barrier prevents direct contact between insects climbing the pole and the nectar reservoir, thereby solving the contamination problem while maintaining the bird feeding function
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is divided into separate functional components: a bushing for pole attachment, a reservoir for nectar storage, and a protective barrier between them. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the problem independently
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing protection solutions are used, then insect infiltration is addressed, but aesthetic ornamentation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective barrier against insects, a nectar reservoir for birds, and an aesthetic ornamentation for the outdoor space. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between protection and aesthetics
3Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used to secure the reservoir, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is designed to self-attach to the pole through friction fit without requiring external fasteners or complex assembly mechanisms. The reservoir simply needs to be placed on the bushing, and the friction fit automatically secures it, making installation simple while maintaining secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
An insect infiltration protection apparatus for a bird feeder comprising a bushing and a reservoir. The reservoir has inner and outer rims with a dish-shaped body extending therebetween that has a bottom surface with the inner and outer rims projecting therefrom. The reservoir has a support surface defining a central through hole adjacent the inner rim, which frictionally engages the bushing such that the bushing supports the reservoir with the bottom surface of the dish-shaped body vertically below a peripheral edge of the outer rim. The bushing is made from a resilient material and has a central aperture dimensioned for a friction fit with a pole to support the reservoir on the pole at a height above the support surface with a liquid in the reservoir at a level below the inner and outer rims.