Retractable Vertical Feed Surface for Animal Feeder Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feeders do not effectively manage feed material distribution and protection from the elements while allowing efficient access for animals, often leading to waste and fouling.
Innovation Solution
A retractable vertical feed surface within an enclosure, powered by a biasing device such as a roller or spring, which moves horizontally as the feed material is depleted, ensuring continuous access and protection from the elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a fixed vertical feed surface is used in traditional feeders, then the structure is simple and stable, but the feed material cannot be effectively managed leading to waste and fouling from the elements
Solution Approach 1:
The feed surface is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one that can retract horizontally. The biasing device enables the feed surface to dynamically adjust its position, moving it away from the feed material when not in use to prevent fouling and waste, while maintaining simplicity through spring-loaded or counterweight-based mechanisms
2Reliability
If the vertical feed surface is made retractable to improve feed management, then feed protection and access efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional moving parts and biasing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device is designed to automatically move the feed surface without external control. Spring members or counterweights provide self-powered retraction, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control systems. The mechanism self-regulates based on the feed material depletion, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If a roller biasing device is used to retract the feed surface, then the mechanism is simple and cost-effective, but the feed surface must be flexible which may reduce structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The feed surface utilizes a flexible mesh or screen material that can be rolled onto the roller. This flexible construction allows the roller mechanism to function while maintaining sufficient strength through the mesh structure itself. The flexibility enables rolling motion without requiring complex rigid joint mechanisms, keeping manufacturing simple while providing adequate structural integrity for feed containment
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 solution ensures efficient feed material distribution and protection from the elements, reducing waste and fouling by allowing the feed surface to retract as needed, maintaining animal access and ease of handling.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing device may comprise a horizontal track and a spring member that biases the feed surface along the track
Implementation Method 2
the biasing device may comprise a horizontal track and a counterweight that biases the feed surface along the track
Implementation Method 3
The ratchet surface may be engaged by a pivoting, locking bar that allows the ratchet to move in one direction and prevents movement in an opposed direction
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder for animals has an enclosure that receives feed material. The enclosure has at least one vertical feed surface that retains the feed material and provides access to animals to the feed material. The vertical feed surface is movable in a horizontal direction. A biasing device is attached to the vertical feed surface. The biasing device moves the vertical feed surface horizontally as the feed material is depleted within the enclosure.