Motorized Waterfowl Decoy with Dabbling Head Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional waterfowl decoys lack motion, which is essential for attracting waterfowl, as live waterfowl are not drawn to static decoys on smooth water surfaces, and existing motion decoys do not realistically mimic feeding behavior.
Innovation Solution
A motorized waterfowl decoy system that mimics the 'dabbling' motion of waterfowl by rotating a weighted head to create a realistic feeding behavior, using a motor, biasing device, and decoupling mechanism to simulate the head's movement under water, generating ripples and splashing sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional static decoys are used, then the decoy structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the decoy lacks motion and cannot attract waterfowl on smooth water surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static decoy into a dynamic system that automatically mimics waterfowl feeding behavior. The head assembly is designed to rotate and submerge periodically, creating realistic motion that attracts waterfowl. This is achieved through a motor-driven rotation mechanism combined with a biasing device (spring or rubber band) that provides the force necessary for the head to submerge and rebound, creating a lifelike dabbling motion without requiring complex external power sources or manual operation.
2Reliability
If motorized decoys with complex mechanisms are used, then the decoy exhibits motion to attract waterfowl, but the movement produced is not fully realistic of true waterfowl feeding behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the decoy into distinct functional assemblies: a head assembly with weighted head, a biasing device, a rotation mechanism, and a motor. This modular approach allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently. The head assembly can be independently weighted and balanced to achieve realistic submersion motion, while the biasing device independently provides the rebound force. This segmentation enables realistic waterfowl-like motion while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the automatic operation of the feeding motion mechanism. The motor rotates the head assembly, the biasing device automatically stores and releases energy to create the submersion and rebound motion, and the weighted head naturally submerges due to gravity. The system operates autonomously without manual intervention, continuously mimicking natural waterfowl feeding behavior. The decoupling mechanism allows the head to freely submerge and rebound without constant motor control, creating more realistic motion.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the head is continuously rotated by the motor, then the decoy maintains constant motion, but the motion does not realistically mimic the natural dabbling behavior where the head submerges and rebounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by creating a cyclical feeding motion pattern that mimics natural waterfowl behavior. The motor rotates the head assembly in one direction, then the biasing device causes the head to submerge and rebound periodically. This creates a rhythmic, repeating motion sequence: rotation → submersion → rebound → rotation, which closely resembles the natural dabbling feeding pattern of waterfowl. The periodic engagement and disengagement of the motor with the head assembly further enhances the realism by allowing natural motion phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning through the biasing device (spring or rubber band) that is pre-loaded during the motor rotation phase. As the motor rotates the head assembly, the biasing device is compressed or stretched, storing elastic potential energy in advance. This pre-stored energy then releases during the submersion phase, providing the rebound force that mimics the natural waterfowl feeding motion. This beforehand cushioning ensures the head submerges and rebounds realistically without requiring continuous motor control throughout the entire motion cycle.
4Reliability
If a decoupling mechanism is added to allow the head to submerge freely, then the decoy produces realistic feeding motion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle through the use of a biasing device (spring or rubber band) that mediates between the motor rotation and the head submersion motion. The biasing device acts as an energy storage and transfer intermediary, converting motor rotational energy into elastic potential energy, then releasing it to drive the head submersion and rebound motion. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, or multiple actuators, while still achieving realistic waterfowl-like feeding behavior through the elastic energy storage and release cycle.
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 decoy effectively attracts waterfowl by replicating lifelike feeding behavior, increasing hunting success through realistic motion and visual cues, such as ripples and color flashes, without requiring manual operation or external assistance.
Implementation Method 1
A decoy head is provided and weighted such that the decoy head is rotated by the motor in a rearward direction
Implementation Method 2
A decoy head is provided and weighted such that the decoy head is rotated by the motor in a rearward direction when the motor is coupled to the decoy head. The decoy head includes a decoupling mechanism that decouples the decoy head from the motor when a force above a preset threshold is applied to the decoy head. The decoupled decoy head is rotated forwardly of the decoy body
Implementation Method 3
The weight of the head pulls the front of the decoy body downward and under the water, tipping the decoy body transverse to the surface of the water
Implementation Method 4
This motion causes ripples and disturbance in the water's surface and can produce a splashing sound
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized decoy provides lifelike feeding motion by rotating or pivoting a decoy head in and out of water. The motor releasably couples to the decoy head such that the decoy head is rotated in the rearward direction when the motor is coupled to the decoy head and in the forward direction when the motor is decoupled. The motor decouples from the head when encountering a decoupling force above a preset threshold. The decoy body can bob in, and changes its orientation relative to, the water as the decoy head pivots. The decoy head can also pause under the surface of the water before rising up from the water.