Pivotable Feeder Refilling Assembly with Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeder refill devices lack efficient mechanisms for easily transitioning between load and unload positions, making it difficult to refill elevated animal feeders without spilling or straining.
Innovation Solution
A shaft with a pivotably attached container and a sliding handle linked to a rigid linkage that moves the container between load and unload positions, allowing for easy filling and emptying of the feeder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid linkage mechanism is used to move the container, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pivotably attached to the shaft, allowing it to dynamically change position between load and unload configurations. This dynamic attachment enables the container to be positioned at different angles and locations along the shaft, providing operational flexibility without requiring a complex fixed-position mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling device is divided into distinct functional segments: the shaft, the pivotably attached container, the sliding handle, and the linkage mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If the container is pivotably attached to move between load and unload positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability may worsen due to moving attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable attachment allows the container to dynamically adjust its position between load and unload states, making operation easier while maintaining reliability through a simple, robust hinge mechanism that reduces stress on attachment points
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism works in conjunction with the pivotable attachment to balance the container's weight during movement, reducing strain on the pivot points and improving both ease of operation and reliability of the attachment
3Ease of operation
If a sliding handle is used to control the linkage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding handle serves as an intermediary control element that the user manipulates to actuate the linkage mechanism. This simple sliding motion translates into the complex container positioning, improving ease of operation while keeping the handle mechanism itself relatively simple
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
Enables efficient refilling of elevated animal feeders by allowing easy transition between load and unload positions, reducing spillage and user effort, and accommodating various types of fill materials.
Implementation Method 1
the container is positionable in a load position wherein the perimeter wall rests parallel to the shaft with the bottom wall adjacent to the shaft, or in an unload position wherein the opening pivots over the second end toward an inverted position
Data Source
AI summary
An animal feeder refilling assembly for refilling elevated animal feeders includes a shaft. The shaft has a first end, a second end and an outer surface. A container is pivotably attached adjacent to the second end of the shaft. The container has a bottom wall with a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall has a top edge defining an opening. The container is pivotable between a load position wherein the perimeter wall rests parallel to the shaft with the bottom wall adjacent to the shaft, and an unload position wherein the opening pivots over the second end. A handle is slidingly engaged with the outer surface of the shaft and positioned adjacent to the first end. A linkage is attached to the handle and extends to pivotably couple to an exterior surface of the container. The linkage moves the container between the load position and the unload position.