Retractable Bird Feeder Perch With Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art bird feeder perches are not selectively lockable in their extended position, leading to potential movement during use and requiring larger shipping containers due to their fixed extension.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and extendable U-shaped perch for a bird feeder with a locking mechanism that allows it to be slidably mounted in a feed port assembly, using bores and leg members to maintain positions and prevent unintended movement, allowing for compact shipping and secure use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the perch is made fixed and outwardly extending, then the perch provides stable support for birds, but the shipping container size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The perch is designed to be movable between an extended position (providing stable bird support) and a retracted position (reducing shipping volume). The perch includes a base leg member and leg members that can slide relative to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment between these two states to resolve the contradiction between stability and compact storage.
2Volume of stationary object
If the perch is made selectively movable between positions, then shipping volume is reduced, but the perch may be inadvertently moved during use
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the perch components. This locking mechanism engages when the perch is in the extended position, preventing inadvertent movement during bird feeding, while allowing intentional movement for retraction during shipping. The locking mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing position stability when needed without permanently fixing the perch structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A U-shaped perch for a bird feeder which is selectively movable between retracted and extended positions with respect to the bird feeder. The perch is horizontally slidably mounted in a support at the lower end of a feed port positioned in a feed opening formed in the bird feeder. The perch is selectively locked in its extended position. The perch and the support cooperate to limit the outward extension of the perch with respect to the support. The perch may also be movably mounted on the bird feeder which does not have a feed port.