Automatic Pet Feeder Screw Dispensing to Prevent Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet feeding and watering systems face issues such as contamination from insects and food particles falling into the water reservoir, and automatic feed systems often become blocked, with a need for modulated feeding at various times.
Innovation Solution
A dual dish system with a water dish member and food dish member stacked vertically, offset to prevent contamination, combined with a float valve for water replenishment and a gravitational feeding mechanism using a movable screw to dispense food at predetermined weights and times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a combination food and water dispenser is used, then space is saved and both functions are provided in one unit, but food particles fall into the water reservoir contaminating the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical stacking to arrange the food dish and water dish in different vertical levels. The food dish is positioned higher than the water dish, creating a vertical separation that prevents food particles from falling into the water while maintaining a compact footprint. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical arrangement resolves the contamination issue while preserving space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an offset arrangement where the food dish and water dish are not directly aligned vertically. The food dish is positioned at an offset location relative to the water dish, creating an asymmetric configuration that prevents direct vertical drop of food particles into the water reservoir while maintaining the combined unit structure.
2Length of stationary object
If the food dish is positioned directly above the water dish to save space, then vertical space is optimized, but food particles can fall into the water reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an offset arrangement where the food dish and water dish are not directly aligned vertically. The food dish is positioned at an offset location relative to the water dish, creating an asymmetric configuration that prevents direct vertical drop of food particles into the water reservoir while maintaining the compact unit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct vertical alignment to offset vertical arrangement, utilizing horizontal offset combined with vertical separation. This creates a three-dimensional spatial relationship that prevents food particle contamination while maintaining vertical space efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If automatic feeding systems with extruder or screw systems are used, then automated feeding at predetermined times and weights is achieved, but the systems become blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extruder or screw mechanism from the system entirely, replacing it with a gravitational feeding system. Food is dispensed through a chute using gravity alone, eliminating the mechanical components that are prone to blocking while maintaining automated feeding capability through timing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational feeding system allows food to flow naturally under its own weight through the chute, requiring no external power or mechanical actuation for the food movement itself. This self-service mechanism reduces complexity and eliminates blockage-prone mechanical components while maintaining automated dispensing.
4Device complexity
If manual feeding is used, then system complexity is minimized, but the ability to provide modulated feeding at various times is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a timer mechanism that pre-schedules feeding events at predetermined times. The system is programmed in advance to dispense food at specific intervals, providing modulated feeding capability without requiring complex real-time control systems. This preliminary action approach maintains simplicity while enabling automated timing functionality.
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
Prevents contamination by insects and food particles, ensures reliable and automatic feeding without blockages, allowing for precise control of food and water distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The float and outlet are disposed within the water dish member. The float valve allows the water level in the water dish member to be automatically raised when the water level drops sufficiently in the water dish member, causing the float to drop and the valve means to open.
Implementation Method 2
An embodiment of the apparatus may further comprise a food storage reservoir disposed within the food dish member. The food storage reservoir allows dry food particles to gravitationally fill the food dish member as food is consumed.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic pet feeding system contains a first hopper adapted to contain food and an inner second hopper adapted to receive food from the first hopper. A movable screw operably communicates with the second hopper, and is configured to rotate at a predetermined time, and extrude food therethrough. The movable screw includes a periphery, an inlet, and an outlet. A screw housing contains the movable screw such that the movable screw is adapted to slidably engage an inner wall of the screw housing. A dish for receipt of the food is also included. Food is provided at a predetermined weight depending on the rotation of the movable screw.