Game Feeder Annular Slot and Centrifugal Spreader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game feeders are prone to theft by wildlife and inefficiently distribute feed material due to their design, particularly the shape of the motor housing and lack of effective spreading mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A game feeder with a hopper body, a cylindrical feeder tube, and support struts forming an annular feed discharge slot, combined with a retracting mechanism and spreader plate to ensure efficient distribution and prevent theft by raccoons and other animals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a square motor housing with slots is used for feed distribution, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the feed distribution efficiency is poor due to corner shape interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the square motor housing with a circular housing structure. This curved geometry eliminates the corner interference problem that plagued the square design, allowing feed material to be distributed uniformly in all directions without obstruction. The circular shape maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving feed distribution efficiency and coverage area.
2Device complexity
If a conventional spreader design is used, then the structure is simple, but feed material leaks through the outlet port when the spreader is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a spring-loaded plug mechanism that automatically seals the feed outlet port when the spreader is not in operation. The spring maintains constant pressure on the plug to prevent any feed material from leaking through the outlet, while allowing quick removal when feeding is needed. This preliminary protective action eliminates feed loss without adding complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If traditional feed spreading mechanisms are used, then the device is simple, but the feed material is not effectively spread around the feeder and is easily stolen by wildlife
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating spreader mechanism that actively distributes feed material in a circular pattern around the feeder base rather than dumping it in a single location. This dynamic spreading action creates a dispersed feed zone that is much harder for wildlife to steal completely. The rotation can be controlled to adjust the spreading pattern and coverage area, providing both security and efficient distribution.
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 game feeder effectively scatters feed material around the feeder while being resistant to theft, providing superior spreading and distribution efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Upon rotation of the spreader the first and second sets of chain links experience a centrifugal force sufficient to cause the spreader plate to move down the shaft
Implementation Method 2
upon ceasing rotation the spreader plate returns to a default position proximate to the top of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A game feeder has a hopper body for storing the feed material, a feed outlet, a funnel extending downwardly from around the feed outlet opening to a lower aperture, and a cylindrical feeder tube that extends from around the funnel to an upper perimeter that further from the hopper body than the funnel. A lower housing has an annular wall that extends upwardly to a lower perimeter, which may include an outwardly extending annular flange. Support struts in the form of rods connect the lower housing to the hopper body to support the hopper body above the lower housing, such that the upper perimeter of the feeder tube is adjacent but spaced from the lower perimeter of the annular wall of the lower housing, to form an annular feed discharge slot therebetween.