Feeder With Retractable Pin For Tool-Free Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bird feeders are often difficult to clean due to inaccessibility or the need for tools to disassemble them, which discourages routine cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A feeder design featuring a removable part and a retractable member that can be disengaged by hand, allowing access to the receptacle for cleaning without requiring tools, where the retractable member couples and uncouples the removable part to the feeder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the feeder uses a fixed or tool-required disassembly mechanism, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder is divided into separable components (receptacle, base, ports, perches) that can be easily detached from each other. The retractable pin allows the base and ports to be segmented from the receptacle, enabling access to the receptacle interior for cleaning while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable pin transforms from a static fixed connection to a dynamic movable connection. The pin can be retracted to allow disassembly for cleaning and extended to provide secure coupling during operation, adapting the connection state based on the operational requirement (cleaning vs. use).
2Manufacturing precision
If the feeder requires tools for disassembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable pin mechanism enables the feeder to be disassembled and cleaned by the user without requiring external tools. The pin can be manually retracted and the components manually reconnected, making the cleaning process self-serviceable and eliminating the need for screwdrivers or other tools while maintaining precise manufacturing tolerances.
3Device complexity
If the feeder is designed as a single integrated unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder is segmented into modular components (receptacle, base, ports, perches) connected by the retractable pin mechanism. This segmentation allows individual parts to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the entire structure, simplifying repair and maintenance while keeping the overall design relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder comprising an elongate receptacle for food; a removable part; and an elongate restraining pin positioned within the feeder. The direction of elongation of the elongate restraining pin is parallel to that of the feeder. When in an engaged position, the elongate restraining pin is engaged with the removable part so as to couple the removable part to the feeder, and, in a retracted position, is disengaged with the removable part as to uncouple the removable part from the feeder.