Feed Silo With Drip Edge And Funnel To Prevent Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chicken feeders are prone to feed contamination by elements, insects, and rodents, and do not effectively prevent birds from scratching or defecating into the feeder.
Innovation Solution
A novel feeder design with a tapered body and drip edges to protect feed from moisture, a steep lid to prevent roosting, adjustable legs for elevation, and a funnel system to direct feed into ports, along with a plug and water valve options for efficient feeding and watering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the feeder is placed on the ground for easy access, then the birds can easily reach the feed, but the feed becomes exposed to moisture, insects, and rodents
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder is elevated from the ground plane to a suspended position in three-dimensional space, using vertical dimension to resolve the contradiction between accessibility and protection from contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
A tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the feed container and the ground, allowing feed to be accessible while preventing direct contact with contaminants on the ground
2Ease of manufacture
If the feeder structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the ability to prevent birds from knocking over the feeder is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder is divided into separate functional components (container, tray, support structure) that can be manufactured independently and assembled, simplifying production while maintaining stability through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed with a curved, bowl-shaped form that naturally resists being knocked over by distributing force across its rounded surface, providing stability without requiring complex structural reinforcements
3Ease of manufacture
If the lid is made flat for ease of manufacture, then production is simpler, but birds can easily roost on it and defecate into the feed
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is given an asymmetric curved shape with a rounded leading edge and sloping surface, making it aerodynamically unfavorable for birds to land on while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The lid features a curved, dome-like shape that prevents birds from perching by eliminating flat landing surfaces, while the curvature can be achieved through simple molding processes
4Productivity
If the feed ports are large for easy access by birds, then feeding is more efficient, but birds can scratch feed out of the feeder
Solution Approach 1:
The tray has different surface characteristics in different zones: a smooth, slightly sloped feeding area that guides feed toward birds, and raised edges or barriers that prevent feed from being scratched out, locally optimizing both access and containment
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed with a gentle slope that creates a natural feed flow path, allowing feed to move easily toward birds through gravity while the raised edges create a contained environment that prevents lateral scattering of feed
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 keeps feed dry, secure from rodents, and reduces waste by directing feed to accessible ports while preventing bird droppings from entering, thus maintaining feed quality and reducing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a funnel (20) positioned within the body (11) above the cone (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A feed and water distribution device with a housing and a drip edge that hangs over protecting one or more feed ports or openings in the housing of the device. Each opening can be fitted with a plug that may also feature a shelf, wall and/or a drinking or watering valve. The housing of the device is shaped such that a portion of it covers the opening(s) in the housing through which feed and water can be obtained by animals. The housing can feature a drip edge. Optional plugs fit into the openings and can feature watering valves that can be manipulated by animals to dispense water. The interior cavity of the housing can be fitted with a funnel to direct the feed toward the center of the interior cavity. The floor of the housing can be cone shaped to help direct feed passing through the funnel towards each opening.