Feed-Level Controlled Dispenser Piston Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bird feeders require frequent refilling as seed levels drop, necessitating regular access at elevated positions, increasing the risk of accidental injury for users.
Innovation Solution
A feed-level controlled dispenser with a piston assembly and sheath within a housing, where the piston and housing move relative to each other, distributing seed from a central chamber to ports, maintaining a topped-off state for a longer duration through a spring-loaded mechanism or housing translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bird feeders are positioned at elevated locations, then birds can access seed freely, but the owner must use climbing devices to refill, increasing the risk of accidental injury
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser automatically distributes seed to multiple ports without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates feed distribution based on consumption at each port, eliminating the need for the owner to climb and manually refill the feeder.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder is divided into multiple independent feeding ports distributed at different locations. Each port has its own seed distribution mechanism, allowing simultaneous feeding at multiple points without requiring repeated manual refilling operations.
2Productivity
If conventional bird feeders are filled with seed, then birds can access seed, but the seed level drops from top to bottom over time, requiring frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions seed at multiple ports before consumption occurs. As birds eat at each port, the mechanism automatically redistributes seed from the central chamber to maintain adequate supply at all ports, extending the feeding duration without requiring frequent refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser maintains continuous seed distribution to all ports through automatic mechanical movement. The piston or distribution mechanism continuously supplies seed to each port as it is consumed, ensuring uninterrupted feeding activity throughout the extended duration.
3Device complexity
If the piston assembly pushes seed from bottom toward top of housing, then seed is distributed to ports, but the mechanism requires spring compression and locking
Solution Approach 1:
The piston assembly is designed as a dynamic mechanism that can be compressed and locked in different positions. The spring-loaded piston moves automatically to distribute seed, providing adaptability in seed distribution while using a well-understood mechanical principle that simplifies manufacturing.
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
Minimizes the need for frequent refilling and reduces the risk of injury by maintaining a consistent seed supply and allowing users to refill without climbing, as the dispenser automatically distributes seed to ports.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded piston assembly disposed within the housing. In operation, a user compresses a spring of the piston assembly by pulling a central shaft or chain associated with a piston of the piston assembly towards a housing base
Data Source
AI summary
A feed dispenser includes a housing and a piston assembly. The piston assembly includes a piston disposed within the housing, the piston and the housing configured to translate relative to each other, and a sheath. The sheath extends about the piston and spring and defines a feed volume with the housing. The feed volume configured to receive feed from a housing chamber of the housing in response to the relative translation of the piston and the housing.