Adjustable Bird Feeder Shroud Mechanism for Squirrel Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bird feeders fail to effectively prevent larger, undesirable birds and squirrels from accessing seeds, as current deterrents are often outsmarted by these marauders.
Innovation Solution
An adjustably selective bird feeder with a movable shroud that blocks access when weight is applied, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism and a rotatable post to deny access to the seed container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed shroud is used to block access to the seed container, then unwanted intruders are prevented from accessing the seed, but desired birds cannot access the seed either
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the weight applied. When birds land on the perch, the shroud moves to an open position allowing access. When squirrels or other heavy intruders apply excessive weight, the shroud moves to a closed position blocking access. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the barrier adaptive to different users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the shroud based on the weight parameter applied to the perch. The spring mechanism translates weight changes into positional changes of the shroud. This parameter transformation allows the same structure to serve different functions under different conditions, enabling both bird access and squirrel prevention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a weight-sensitive mechanism is added to make the shroud movable, then selective access is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is self-regulating and requires no external power source, control system, or manual operation. The spring automatically responds to weight applied to the perch, moving the shroud to the appropriate position. The system serves itself by using the intruder's own weight as the control signal, eliminating the need for complex sensors, motors, or control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the weight applied on the perch and the shroud position. Instead of directly connecting the perch to the shroud control mechanism, the spring provides a simple mechanical mediation that translates weight into positional adjustment. This intermediary simplifies the overall system by using a single passive component to achieve the selective access function.
3Ease of operation
If the shroud is positioned to allow bird access, then desired birds can feed, but unwanted intruders can also access the seed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to exert a force that positions the shroud in a default closed position, preventing intruder access before they can reach the seed. When birds land on the perch, their weight overcomes the spring force and opens the shroud. This preliminary positioning creates a protective barrier that only opens under the specific condition of bird feeding, preventing intruders from accessing the seed in the first place.
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
Effectively prevents unwanted intruders from accessing the seed while allowing desired birds to feed, providing a controlled and efficient seed dispensing system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring within the center tube, the spring extending between the non rotatable nut and the seed tray
Data Source
AI summary
A bird feeder comprising a seed container, a seed tray situated below the seed container, a shroud extending about the seed tray and having an opening therein to permit access thereto, a perch proximate the opening, a center tube mounted internally of the feed container and a non rotatable nut mounted within the center tube, a post being screwthreadedly engaged with the non rotatable nut to adjust spring tension, a cover about an upper end of the feed container, the arrangement being such that pressure from an animal such as a squirrel on either the cover or perch will cause the shroud to block the opening and deny access to the seed.