Wildlife Feeder Trough Guard With Rotating Anti-Raccoon Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wildlife feeders are vulnerable to unwanted wildlife, such as raccoons, which can access the feed through the feed troughs, disrupting the feeding intended for desired wildlife.
Innovation Solution
A wildlife feeder apparatus with pointed plates and rotating members that prevent unwanted wildlife from jumping and grabbing onto the feed troughs, combined with features like a gabled cover and low-friction materials to deter access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the feed trough is made accessible to wildlife, then the desired wildlife can feed, but unwanted wildlife can also access and deplete the feed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different surface characteristics at different locations of the feed trough. The feeding surface has a smooth, accessible finish for desired wildlife, while the exterior surfaces have textured, high-friction coatings to prevent unwanted wildlife from gaining purchase. This localized differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously serve both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable members that rotate when touched, and adjustable components that can be modified based on wildlife behavior patterns. The rotatable members create an unstable surface that prevents unwanted wildlife from maintaining grip, while still allowing desired wildlife to access feed through controlled openings.
2Reliability
If protective measures are added to prevent unwanted wildlife, then feed security improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing components that serve multiple purposes. The textured coating on exterior surfaces simultaneously provides slip resistance for unwanted wildlife and structural integrity for the trough. The rotatable members function both as protective barriers and as indicators of wildlife interaction. The adjustable components can be configured for different wildlife species and feeding conditions, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the feed trough into distinct functional zones with different surface properties. The interior feeding area maintains smooth surfaces for easy access, while exterior and protective components have specialized textures and mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
3Ease of operation
If the feed trough is positioned at muzzle height, then desired wildlife can feed comfortably, but unwanted wildlife can still jump and grab onto the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different surface characteristics at different locations of the feed trough. The feeding surface has a smooth, accessible finish for desired wildlife, while the exterior surfaces have textured, high-friction coatings to prevent unwanted wildlife from gaining purchase. This localized differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously serve both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable members that rotate when touched, and adjustable components that can be modified based on wildlife behavior patterns. The rotatable members create an unstable surface that prevents unwanted wildlife from maintaining grip, while still allowing desired wildlife to access feed through controlled openings.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for protecting feed accumulated in feed troughs of a gravitationally fed, passive wildlife feeder are disclosed, including providing an apparatus comprising: a body, the body having an adapter configured to fit over a feed trough of the gravitationally fed, passive wildlife feeder; a plurality of pointed plates coupled to the body; arms attached to the body; and a first rotation member and a second rotation member rotatably supported to the body by the arms; wherein the plurality of pointed plates are configured to prevent unwanted wildlife from jumping onto the apparatus, and wherein the first rotation member and the second rotation member are configured to prevent the unwanted wildlife from grabbing onto the apparatus to access the feed; and if the apparatus has not been loaded with feed, then dispensing feed into the apparatus. Other embodiments are described and claimed.