Miniature Bird Feeder with Flexible Attachment System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bird feeders are often too large and not adaptable for placement in various locations, making it difficult to observe hummingbirds and other small birds up close, as they are typically designed for average-sized birds and lack versatility in attachment options.

Innovation Solution

A miniature bird feeder with a flexible attachment system, including a flexi-tube, pivot clamp, support legs, elastic band, and a screw-top design with apertures, allowing for attachment to various objects and enabling self-support, providing easy access for small birds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bird feeder is designed to be large and stable, then it provides reliable support for feeding, but it becomes difficult to transport and place in various locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of feeder supportVSAvoidplacement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder is divided into separate components: a removable feeder unit and a base station. This segmentation allows the feeder to be transported easily as a small unit while maintaining stability when assembled at the placement location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as adjustable perches, removable trays, and flexible mounting options that allow the structure to adapt to different placement environments while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a bird feeder is designed to be large, then it can accommodate various bird species, but it is not suitable for attracting small birds like hummingbirds up close

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebird species accommodationVSAvoidfeeder size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder incorporates specialized local features such as small ports specifically designed for hummingbirds, while the overall structure remains compact. Different sections of the feeder can be configured for different bird types without requiring a large overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a bird feeder uses a permanent attachment method, then it provides stable support, but it cannot be easily moved or repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system uses dynamic, adjustable elements such as flexible wires, removable clamps, and reconfigurable mounting mechanisms that provide stable attachment when installed but allow easy repositioning or removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a bird feeder has a complex attachment system, then it can be attached to various objects, but it increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment varietyVSAvoidattachment system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system uses universal, multi-functional components such as flexible wires that can be configured for different attachment scenarios, and standardized clamps that work with various surface types, reducing the need for multiple specialized attachment devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7634974B1Bird feeder

Publication Date: 2009.12.22 CLASSIC BRANDS LLC

AI summary

A miniature size bird feeder that includes a feed holder; a cap or cover over the feed holder; means for releasably attaching the cap or cover to the feed holder and an attachment means for supporting the feed holder.