Game Feeder Segmented Base for Varmint Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game feeders face issues with unwanted consumption of corn by vermin, damage from wildlife, and structural integrity due to exposed components and elevated designs that are prone to knocking over, leading to loss of feed and feeder destruction.
Innovation Solution
A game feeder design featuring a main body with a reservoir, a base plate that funnels feed to a discharge opening with a sloping discharge plate and a spinner plate positioned far enough back to minimize animal access, along with a shielded rotary drive and secure mounting options to prevent predation and damage, utilizing a cylindrical spindle and square shoulder connection for the spinner plate, and a guide wall to direct feed discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the feeder is elevated several feet above the ground, then corn broadcasting is improved and varmint access is limited, but loading the feeder with corn becomes difficult as heavy bags must be lifted up
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder is divided into two main sections: an elevated hopper section for corn storage and discharge, and a separate base section for motor housing and control components. This segmentation allows the heavy motor components to remain on the ground while the hopper can be positioned at an optimal height for corn broadcasting, resolving the contradiction between limiting varmint access and facilitating easy loading.
2Ease of operation
If the feeder is placed on the ground, then loading corn becomes easy, but the feeder is prone to being knocked over by bears and hogs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the feeder into an elevated hopper and a grounded base with motor housing, the design achieves stability through the low-centered motor section while the hopper remains accessible for loading. The base section acts as a stable foundation that resists being knocked over, while the hopper can be filled from ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder transitions from a single-level ground-based design to a multi-level structure with the hopper elevated above the base. This vertical dimensionality provides stability through the low base while maintaining accessibility for loading, and improves corn broadcasting by elevating the discharge point.
3Device complexity
If the motor, batteries, timers, and spinner plates are exposed, then the feeder structure is simpler, but these components are frequently damaged by varmints and weather
Solution Approach 1:
The motor, batteries, timers, and control components are housed in a separate enclosed base section, isolated from the elevated hopper. This segmentation protects sensitive components from varmint damage and weather exposure while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The enclosed base acts as a protective shelter for electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base section provides an enclosed shell structure that protects internal components from environmental damage. This thin-walled enclosure suffices to protect against weather and varmint interference while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall feeder design.
4Productivity
If the spinner plate is positioned close to the discharge opening, then feed discharge efficiency is improved, but animal predation of corn increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder separates the spin/throw mechanism from the discharge opening by positioning the spinner plate within the enclosed base section, away from the external discharge point. This segmentation allows the spinner to operate efficiently for feed discharge while being protected from animal predation, as animals cannot easily access the corn while it is being spun and thrown.
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 design effectively reduces predation and damage by limiting animal access to the feed and protecting the motor and other components, while allowing for easy loading and secure mounting to prevent knocking over, thus minimizing feed loss and feeder destruction.
Implementation Method 1
a base plate disposed within said main body, defining a bottom surface of the reservoir section, said base plate shaped so as to funnel game feed to an opening in the base plate through which game feed can flow
Implementation Method 2
A rotary drive, which may be an electric motor, is attached to said spinner plate... the spinner plate throws the corn out some distance from the feeder
Data Source
AI summary
A game feeder having a recessed game feed spinner plate, which discharges game feed through a relatively narrow opening. The spinner plate is rotated by an electric motor, which is housed in a protective enclosure within the game feeder, along with the battery and timer, and protected from animals. The narrow discharge opening minimizes feed loss by animals accessing the spinner plate. The game feeder may sit on the ground, or may be mounted on a support such as a pole or tree with mounting hooks and a bracket, and when mounted is especially resistant to feed loss or feeder damage by bears, feral hogs and the like.