Pet Feeder Ejection Gear Dynamics and Rotation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet feeding systems face issues with ejection force loss and inability to adjust ejection distance, leading to inefficient food delivery and potential blockages due to fixed mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an ejection device with an ejection gear and elastic member that adjusts ejection force by engaging and disengaging with a drive rack, and a rotation device with a rolling structure to improve stability and direction control, allowing for adaptive ejection and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed ejection mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ejection force is lost and ejection distance cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed ejection mechanism into a dynamic adjustable one by introducing a movable ejection gear that can engage or disengage from the drive rack. This allows the ejection distance to be adjusted based on different feeding scenarios, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity through controlled dynamic adjustment rather than continuous variability
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection gear is divided into multiple teeth segments, where different numbers of engaged teeth correspond to different ejection distances. This segmentation allows discrete adjustment of ejection parameters, providing adaptability while maintaining mechanical simplicity through standardized gear tooth engagement
2Force
If the ejection gear continuously engages with the drive rack, then the ejection force is strong, but the ejection member cannot be reset and force loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection gear performs periodic engagement and disengagement cycles with the drive rack. During engagement, strong ejection force is transmitted; during disengagement, the ejection member resets to its initial position. This periodic action eliminates force loss by ensuring complete energy transfer during each engagement cycle and proper reset during disengagement, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strong ejection force and preventing energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous engagement requirement, allowing the ejection gear to be temporarily disconnected from the drive rack. This extraction enables the ejection member to reset without continuous mechanical connection, preventing force loss while maintaining strong ejection capability during active engagement periods
3Speed
If the bracket assembly rotates rapidly, then the food delivery speed is high, but the stability and direction control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control for the rotation device, where the control system monitors rotation speed and position, then adjusts power delivery to maintain stable rotation. This feedback mechanism enables high rotation speeds while preserving stability and direction control, resolving the contradiction between speed and stability through closed-loop control
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
This solution enhances the ejection efficiency by reducing force loss and enabling adjustable ejection distances, while improving the stability and directionality of food delivery, thus enhancing user experience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (33), the one end of which is connected to the ejection cavity (31) and the other end of which is connected to the ejection member (32)
Implementation Method 2
a rotation device (40) with a rolling structure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a food delivery and feeding. An apparatus may comprise: a base; an ejection device configured to eject, via a food outlet on the apparatus, one or more of a plurality of food items; and a rotation device operably mounted to the ejection device. The rotation device may be configured to rotate the ejection device relative the base to cause a change to a direction of ejection of the one or more of the plurality of food items relative to the base. The rotation device may comprise a motor and a ring gear. The motor may be connected to the ring gear. The ring gear may be connected to a bracket assembly. The rotation of the bracket assembly may cause the rotation of the ejection device.