Automatic Feeding Assembly for Pet Food Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated feeders for pets, particularly cats, are inadequate for both wet and dry food, requiring manual preparation and cleaning, and lack compatibility with wet food containers, leading to spoilage and messy eating habits.

Innovation Solution

A feeding assembly with a container storage subassembly, handling subassembly, transport subassembly, and opening subassembly that automatically retrieves, opens, and presents food containers, including a waste collection subassembly to manage used containers, compatible with both wet and dry food.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If automated feeders use hopper-based dispensing mechanisms, then dry food can be automatically dispensed, but wet food cannot be stored or dispensed due to sticking and bacterial growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood type compatibilityVSAvoidfood storage reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the feeding mechanism into separate pathways: one for hopper-based dry food dispensing and another for can-based wet food dispensing. Each pathway is optimized for its specific food type, allowing the system to handle both dry and wet food reliably without cross-contamination or mechanical interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automated feeder is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle both dry food (via hopper) and wet food (via can dispensing mechanism). The system incorporates a universal control system that can manage different food types through different dispensing mechanisms, making it adaptable to various feeding needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If users manually prepare wet food by removing it from containers, then food can be presented to animals, but users must clean serving dishes and dispose of containers frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood preparation easeVSAvoidcleaning and disposal time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the automated feeder independently opens cans, dispenses wet food, and manages container disposal without human intervention. The can opening mechanism automatically punctures and dispenses food, while the waste collection system automatically removes empty containers, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and disposal activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading multiple cans into the storage mechanism and pre-configuring the dispensing system. Users only need to refill cans periodically rather than preparing each meal manually, significantly reducing the frequency and time of cleaning and disposal tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If wet food is left out in serving areas, then animals can eat conveniently, but food spoiles due to bacterial growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding convenienceVSAvoidfood freshness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the wet food from the sealed can environment and immediately presents it in a controlled dispensing area, minimizing exposure time. The food is taken out only when needed and dispensed directly to the animal, preventing prolonged storage in serving areas that would lead to spoilage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing mechanism rapidly transitions food from the sealed can to the animal's bowl in a quick, continuous motion. This rushing through the transfer process minimizes the time food is exposed to air and potential contaminants, maintaining freshness while providing convenient feeding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Reliability

If automated feeders seal food in segregated serving areas, then food protection from spoilage is improved, but the mechanism requires frequent washing of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood protectionVSAvoidcomponent maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses disposable or easily replaceable components for the can opening and dispensing mechanisms. Instead of requiring thorough cleaning of complex sealing components, the design allows for simple replacement of worn parts, reducing maintenance complexity and time while maintaining food protection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250318499A1Automatic feeding assembly

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 AUTOMATED PET CARE PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A feeding, container, system and methods configured to automatically present food to an animal for consumption. A feeding assembly (1) including: a) a container storage subassembly (12) configured to store one or more containers (16) of the food therein; b) a container handling subassembly (42) and/or a transport subassembly (40) configured to retrieve and/or receive from the container storage subassembly and transfer to a feeding area (32); c) a container opening subassembly (46) configured to open the container while being transferred to the feeding area from the container storage subassembly; d) optionally, a waste collection subassembly (14) configured to receive the one or more containers after being presented at the feeding area. The feeding assembly may provide a container opening subassembly (46) configured to peel a lid away (54) from a container (16) prior to presenting the container in a feeding area.