Bird Feeder Tray and Grid Layout to Contain Scattered Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bird feeding systems allow feed to scatter or drop on the ground, making it accessible to birds and undesirable animals, leading to waste, vegetation degradation, and health risks, while also attracting vermin.
Innovation Solution
A bird feeding system comprising a feed storage container, feeding station, and tray with a separating device that collects and renders scattered or dropped feed inaccessible to birds, using a tray member and separating device to prevent feed from reaching the ground, and includes features like a grid member and funnel to manage feed access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a tray is used to collect scattered feed, then feed waste is reduced and feed is protected from vermin, but birds can still access the feed and scatter it further
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into multiple compartments separated by dividers, creating distinct feeding zones. This segmentation allows birds to access feed in each compartment while preventing them from scattering feed across the entire tray or accessing feed in other compartments, thus reducing feed waste while maintaining bird access.
Solution Approach 2:
A mesh or grid structure is introduced as an intermediary element within the tray. This mesh allows birds to perch and access feed through the openings while preventing them from reaching the bottom of the tray and scattering feed. The mesh acts as a mediator that maintains bird access while preventing feed scattering.
2Ease of operation
If feed is scattered on the ground for birds to eat, then birds can feed comfortably, but vegetation growth is degraded and vermin are attracted
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding system transitions from a two-dimensional ground-level scattering to a three-dimensional elevated tray structure. Birds feed from the elevated tray surface, which prevents feed from contacting the ground and thus protects vegetation growth while still allowing birds comfortable access to feed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray structure serves as an intermediary platform between the feed storage and the ground. It allows birds to access feed without direct contact with the ground, thereby preventing vegetation degradation and vermin attraction while maintaining bird feeding comfort.
3Loss of substance
If the tray is made deep to prevent bird access, then feed is protected from birds, but birds cannot access the feed at all
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented into multiple compartments with dividers that create accessible feeding zones. This segmentation allows birds to access feed within each compartment without needing to navigate deep into the tray, thus protecting feed while maintaining bird access.
Solution Approach 2:
A mesh or grid structure is introduced as an intermediary that allows birds to perch and access feed through the openings. This mesh prevents birds from reaching the bottom of deep trays while still allowing them to access feed comfortably, thus protecting feed without preventing bird access.
Data Source
AI summary
A bird feeding system, which is characterized by the fact that it prevents birds using the bird feeding system from scattering or dropping food on the ground by catching scattered or dropped feed in a tray and rendering it inaccessible to the birds.