Collapsible Perch Birdfeeder for Pest Intrusion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bird feeders are susceptible to intrusion by pests like squirrels and larger birds, leading to consumption of bird food and discouragement of wild birds, as they often fail to distinguish between desired birds and pests effectively.
Innovation Solution
A birdfeeder design featuring a collapsible perch that pivots at a threshold force, moving from a feeding position to a non-feeding position to prevent pests from accessing the seed, while allowing birds to feed safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional bird feeders are used, then wild birds can access the bird food, but pests like squirrels and larger birds can also access and consume the bird food
Solution Approach 1:
The perch is designed to be collapsible rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position based on the weight applied. When a pest exceeds the weight threshold, the perch collapses to prevent access, while lighter birds can use it normally for feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the perch from an extended feeding position to a collapsed non-feeding position based on the weight parameter. This parameter-based control automatically distinguishes between desired birds and pests without human intervention.
2Strength
If the perch is made rigid to support birds, then birds can feed comfortably, but pests can also use it to access the food
Solution Approach 1:
The perch transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. It maintains rigidity and support capability for normal bird feeding, but can collapse dynamically when excessive weight is applied by pests, thereby preventing pest access while preserving bird feeding functionality.
3Reliability
If bird food is frequently replaced to prevent pest consumption, then food supply is maintained, but time and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The bird feeder system serves itself by automatically preventing pest access through the collapsible perch mechanism. The perch self-adjusts based on weight, eliminating the need for human intervention to protect the food supply, thereby maintaining food availability without frequent refilling or monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful weight of pests into a beneficial triggering mechanism. When pests attempt to access the food, their excessive weight causes the perch to collapse, which inadvertently protects the food supply. The harmful factor (pest weight) becomes the activation signal for the protective mechanism.
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 pests from accessing the bird seed by collapsing under excessive force, thereby protecting the food supply and encouraging wild birds to visit the feeder without frequent refilling.
Implementation Method 1
The collapsible member has a pivot point defined between the first attachment point and the second attachment point. The collapsible member moves the perch from a feeding position to a non-feeding position by pivoting at the pivot point upon an application of a force above a threshold on the perch body of the perch.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides systems and methods for resisting intrusion of a pest into a supply of bird seed held in a birdfeeder. In one implementation, a base has a surface extending to a base edge. A perch has a body extending from a perch first end to a perch second end. The perch body is disposed relative to a slot. A collapsible member is mounted to the base at a first attachment point. The first attachment point is disposed inward relative to the base edge. The collapsible member is mounted to the perch at a second attachment point. The collapsible member has a pivot point defined between the first attachment point and the second attachment point. The collapsible member moves the perch from a feeding position to a non-feeding position by pivoting at the pivot point upon an application of a force above a threshold on the perch body.