Poultry Feeder Closure Element Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic chicken feeders are prone to errors and failures due to the complexity of pull and lever rods required to open the closure element, limiting their reliability as a self-sufficient food source in stables or pastures.
Innovation Solution
A compact automatic chicken feeder design where the actuating element is adjustable in the direction of the storage container, allowing a chicken to pivot the closure element between open and closed positions using a single axis of rotation, reducing the number of components and potential errors, with features like a pivotable closure element, bearing elements, and a metering unit for precise feed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pull and lever rods are used to open the closure element, then the closure element can be opened, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex system of pull rods and lever rods entirely, extracting only the essential function of opening the closure element. The closure element is directly connected to the actuating element, eliminating intermediate mechanical components that caused malfunctions and increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple rods and levers to transmit force from the actuating element to the closure element, the patent inverts the approach by having the actuating element directly pivot the closure element around a single axis, simplifying the mechanical transmission path.
2Reliability
If numerous components are used to open the locking element, then the closure function can be achieved, but the risk of errors and malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuating element and closure element into a more integrated system where the actuating element directly controls the closure element's pivot motion. This reduces the number of separate components from multiple rods and levers to a streamlined assembly with fewer potential failure points.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then space is saved, but the mechanism for opening the closure element becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a spring mechanism that automatically returns the closure element to its closed position after being opened. This dynamic feature allows compact design while maintaining ease of operation, as the spring assists the chicken in reopening the closure element without requiring additional space or complex mechanisms.
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
The design ensures long-term, error-free, and trouble-free operation by simplifying the mechanism, reducing the risk of malfunctions, and allowing precise control over feed dispensing, while maintaining a compact and reliable feeding system.
Implementation Method 1
the closure element is arranged on the storage container in such a way that the discharge area of the storage container is concealed by the closure element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic feeder (1) for animals, in particular chickens, comprising a storage container (2) with a storage area (5) for receiving free-flowing feed and a dispensing area (7) connected to the storage area (5), and a locking element (3) mounted on the storage container (2) with an actuating element (4) arranged at a distance from the storage container (2). To provide an automatic feeder (1) for animals that, with a compact design, enables reliable and trouble-free operation over a long period, the locking element (3) is pivotable between an open position, releasing the dispensing area (7) for the animal, and a closed position, protecting the dispensing area (7) from contamination, by adjusting the actuating element (4) relative to the storage container (2) about a rotational axis (R).The locking element (3) is designed such that the actuating element (4) can be adjusted along a movement path at a constant distance to the axis of rotation (R) of the locking element (3) when adjusting between an end position associated with the opening position and an initial position associated with the closing position.