Pet Feeder Ramp and Shield Design for Dual Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet feeding and watering devices often face issues with food clogging due to the shape of kibbles and the inability to function as both feeding and watering systems simultaneously, as water and food require different mechanisms for distribution.
Innovation Solution
A nutrient dispensing device with a ramp system that connects a storage tank to a base bowl, featuring shields and a design that allows for both liquid and solid dispensing, preventing clogging and enabling both functions without overfilling, using a cylindrical storage tank and a base with complementary threading for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a storage tank with submerged opening is used for water dispensing, then water can flow to the bowl without overfilling, but food cannot travel to the bowl without a ramp or displacement apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is designed with a dual-function capability: it serves as both a water storage container and a food storage container. The tank includes a water dispensing mechanism with a submerged opening for water flow control, and a food dispensing mechanism with a ramp and shield assembly for kibble delivery. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate storage tanks for water and food, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both dispensing functions.
2Reliability
If kibbles are stored in a storage area, then food is available for pets, but kibbles may become clogged or compacted in the area between storage and feeding bowl
Solution Approach 1:
A shield assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the storage tank and the feeding bowl. The shield includes a ramp that guides kibble from the storage area to the feeding bowl, and a shield body that prevents kibble from clogging in the transition area. The shield assembly acts as a mediator that facilitates smooth kibble flow while preventing compaction and clogging issues that would otherwise occur in the storage-to-bowl transition zone.
3Quantity of substance
If the storage tank opening is submerged in water, then water can be dispensed without overfilling, but food may just fall in a pile underneath the storage opening without traveling to the feeding bowl
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank opening is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a water dispensing opening that is submerged in water for controlled water flow, and a food dispensing opening that is positioned above the water line and equipped with a ramp and shield assembly for food delivery. This segmentation allows each opening to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, enabling both water control and food delivery to operate simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A nutrient dispensing device for animals includes an access basin and a support portion attached to the access basin. The dispensing device includes a ramp spanning between the access basin and the support portion. A storage tank is disposed on the support portion, and a first end of the ramp is located partially beneath an open end of the storage tank. The ramp also includes at least one shield attached along a portion of the ramp, and the shield resists contents stored in the storage tank from entering a region of the support portion.