Chicken Feeder Baffle Segmentation for Feed Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chicken feeders waste feed due to chickens pulling out large amounts and contaminate feed by mixing it with their living area, leading to health issues.
Innovation Solution
A chicken feeder apparatus with a container and baffles that direct feed towards feeder holes, preventing excessive feed removal and segregating feed from waste, featuring a rain guard to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional chicken feeders use an open feed-distribution pan or tube, then chickens can easily access feed, but chickens pull out large amounts of feed which wastes feed
Solution Approach 1:
The feed distribution system is segmented into individual feeder holes rather than a continuous open pan. Each hole is sized to allow chicken heads to insert but prevents removal of feed, dividing the feed storage into controlled access points that limit feed waste while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the baffle system and hole design) between the feed storage and the chickens. This intermediary mechanism allows feed to be presented to chickens while preventing them from pulling out excessive feed, acting as a mediator that controls the interaction between chickens and feed.
2Ease of operation
If conventional chicken feeders allow feed to be distributed in the general living area, then feed is easily accessible to chickens, but feed becomes contaminated with waste and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The feed distribution area is segmented and enclosed within the container structure with defined feeder holes, separating the feed from the general living area. This segmentation prevents chicken waste and debris from contaminating the feed while maintaining controlled access for feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the feed distribution function from the general living area by providing a separate, dedicated container structure. The feed is taken out of the open environment and placed in a controlled container with specific access points, eliminating contamination from the living area while preserving feed accessibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional feeders use a simple open container design, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot prevent feed waste or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented with baffles and multiple feeder holes, creating a structured design that prevents feed waste and contamination. While more complex than a simple open container, the segmentation is achieved through straightforward structural elements that remain relatively easy to manufacture while providing reliable feed protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structural elements (baffles and hole configurations) within the container that mediate between the simple container form and the complex function of feed protection. These intermediaries add manufacturing complexity but provide the reliability needed to prevent waste and contamination.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing feed to chickens includes a container defining an interior volume configured to hold said feed, baffles connected to said container and projecting into said interior volume, and feeder holes located through said container. The baffles are configured to direct said feed toward said feeder holes.