Combination Feeder with Conversion Box Flaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feeders for livestock, wildlife, and exotic animals are limited in their ability to handle diverse feed types, particularly large, cotton-seed-based, or molasses-based feeds, and often require multiple feeders for different feeding methods, leading to inefficiencies and potential overeating issues.

Innovation Solution

A combination feeder that can selectively broadcast feed, time-feed into feed troughs, and utilize an adaptable vibrator plate with a motor to handle a variety of feed types, featuring a conversion box assembly with flaps that can transition between broadcast and trough configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a simple gravity-based feeder with door control is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot handle diverse feed types like large, cotton-seed-based, or molasses-based feeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse feed typesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder integrates multiple feeding methods (broadcast feeding, trough feeding, and spinning plate feeding) into a single device. The hopper can selectively distribute feed through different mechanisms: flaps for broadcast feeding, a door for trough feeding, and a spinning plate for controlled dispensing, allowing one device to handle diverse feed types and feeding styles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder employs dynamic components including movable flaps that can pivot between positions, a rotatable spinning plate, and a controllable door mechanism. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt its feed distribution method based on the type of feed being used, enabling handling of viscous, large, or molasses-based feeds through appropriate mechanism selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If spinning plates are used to assist feed through the feeder, then feed distribution is improved, but large, cotton-seed-based, or molasses-based feeds remain difficult to feed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed distribution efficiencyVSAvoidability to handle specific feed types

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder divides the feed distribution function into separate mechanisms: flaps for broadcast feeding, a door for trough feeding, and a spinning plate for controlled dispensing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific feed types, with the flaps and door providing alternative pathways for feeds that are difficult to move through spinning plates alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If free choice feeding is used, then animals can access feed whenever needed, but animals can overeat which is costly and may cause harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding accessibilityVSAvoidovereating and its consequences

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder implements time-controlled feeding through automated door operation and flap actuation at scheduled intervals. The system can be programmed to distribute feed at specific times and durations, replacing continuous free-choice access with periodic dispensing that prevents overeating while maintaining ease of operation through automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Area of stationary object

If broadcast feeding is used to attract livestock, then feed distribution area is increased, but feed can become wet or contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed distribution areaVSAvoidfeed wetting and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder uses dynamically controllable flaps that can pivot between a broadcast position (extending outward to distribute feed over a wider area) and a retracted position (directing feed into a protected trough). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve broad feed distribution when needed while minimizing exposure to environmental contaminants through the trough configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The feeder effectively manages different feed types, including viscous or thick feeds, by using the vibrator plate and motor, while also allowing for customizable feeding methods, reducing the need for multiple feeders and minimizing overeating risks.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration plate with motor that can be attached to the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250127142A1Combination feeder

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 ALL SEASONS FEEDERS

AI summary

A combination feeder can selectively broadcast feed, time-feed into feed troughs, and use an adaptable vibrator plate with a motor to feed a variety of feeds. A feeding device can comprise a hopper, a feed trough, a conversion box assembly that can be connected to the hopper, a motor, and one or more feed outlet openings connected to the conversion box assembly. The conversion box assembly can have one or more flaps that can be transitioned between a raised and a lowered position allowing the feeding device to transition from trough feeding to broadcast feeding. The flaps can be positioned to either block the feed outlet openings, in a raised position, or not block the feed outlet openings, in a lowered position.