Single-Motor Pet Feeder Gear and Crank Dispensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet feeders lack automation, hygiene, safety, and control over single feed intake, and often require multiple motors for different driving mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A feeder design incorporating a transfer housing with a rotatable transfer portion, powered by a single motor through a gear system, which includes a crank mechanism to move a feeding head, allowing for automatic and controlled feed dispensing with improved hygiene and safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used for different driving mechanisms, then the feeder can perform multiple functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single motor is designed to perform multiple functions through different gear mechanisms. The motor can switch between driving the transfer portion for feed transfer and driving the shaking portion for feed mixing, eliminating the need for separate motors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transfer driving mechanism and shaking driving mechanism into a single integrated system powered by one motor. The motor connects to both the first gear (for transfer) and second gear (for shaking) through a common transmission structure, merging multiple driving functions into one power source
2Extent of automation
If manual feed dispensing is used, then the device structure is simple, but automation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder is designed to automatically dispense feed without human intervention. The motor-driven gear system automatically transfers feed from the storage container through the transfer portion to the feeding head, and the shaking portion automatically mixes and dispenses feed, creating a self-service feeding system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated motor-driven gear system. The motor provides power to the first gear for automatic transfer and to the second gear for automatic shaking and dispensing, substituting manual labor with automated mechanical systems
3Ease of operation
If the feeding head is stationary, then the structure is simple, but controlled feed intake is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding head is transformed from a stationary component to a dynamic one through the crank mechanism. The crank converts rotational motion from the motor into reciprocating linear motion, enabling the feeding head to move back and forth for controlled feed intake and dispensing, improving operational flexibility
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 feeder provides automatic, hygienic, and safe feed dispensing with controlled intake, utilizing a single motor for dual driving functions, enhancing user convenience and pet care.
Implementation Method 1
a motor that provides power to the first gear
Implementation Method 2
a first gear that transmits power received from the motor to the transfer portion; a second gear that receives power from the motor
Implementation Method 3
a crank that rotates together with the second gear; and a feeding head that moves by the rotation of the crank
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder that includes a transfer housing having an opening; a transfer portion rotatable within the transfer housing; a first gear transmitting power to the transfer portion; a motor providing power to the first gear; a second gear receiving power from the motor, a crank rotating together with the second gear, and a feeding head which is adjacent to the opening of the transfer housing, and moves by the rotation of the crank.