Bird Feeder Seed Reservoir Dynamics for Unobstructed Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard bird feeders obstruct the view of feeding birds and require frequent refilling due to limited seed storage capacity.

Innovation Solution

A platform bird feeder design with a suspended feeding platform and a seed reservoir that moves downward as seed is consumed, allowing continuous seed supply while maintaining an unobstructed view and easy access for birds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a gravity-fed feeder with a central reservoir is used, then the storage area for food is increased, but the reservoir obstructs the view of feeding birds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood storage capacityVSAvoidview obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seed reservoir is repositioned from a central vertical location to a horizontal position behind the feeding platform. This spatial reconfiguration moves the reservoir to a different dimension relative to the viewing plane, eliminating visual obstruction while preserving storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a platform feeder with fixed sides is used, then birds can feed effectively, but the storage area is small requiring frequent refilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding effectivenessVSAvoidfood storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder incorporates a movable seed reservoir that can be adjusted in position and a adjustable platform for different bird sizes. These dynamic elements allow the feeder to adapt to different feeding scenarios while maintaining adequate storage capacity and feeding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder is divided into distinct functional components: a separate seed reservoir, a movable platform, and a protective hood. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the reservoir provides storage, the platform provides feeding surface, and the hood provides protection - while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the feed column height is increased to prevent squirrel access, then squirrel access is denied, but bird access becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesquirrel access preventionVSAvoidbird access

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective hood is designed with localized access points and specific geometric features that create different access conditions for different animal sizes. The hood's structure provides easy access for small birds through its opening configuration while presenting a difficult climbing surface for larger squirrels, achieving size-selective access control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Provides an unobstructed view of feeding birds and reduces the need for frequent refilling by replenishing seed from below, ensuring a constant food supply to the platform.

Implementation Method 1

a seed reservoir that moves downward as seed is consumed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9125382B1Bird feeder with seed reservoir

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 LEMBKE NATHAN

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bird feeder having a bottom structure, a roof structure, and a side support structure extending between the bottom and roof structures.