Rotatable Animal Feed Holder with Annular Security Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feed systems require precise orientation of the holder relative to the catchment tray for correct mounting, making it difficult and time-consuming to attach them.
Innovation Solution
An animal feed system featuring a freely rotatable holder with an annular fixing element and security edge, allowing easy mounting without specific orientation, along with radially extending transport arms to prevent feed sticking and a displaceable flap for liquids to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holder is designed to mount on the catchment tray with a specific orientation, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of mounting is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element incorporates an asymmetric security edge with clip fingers that engage in a specific orientation, ensuring stable connection while the annular shape allows flexible positioning. The asymmetric clip fingers provide reliable locking in the correct orientation without preventing the user from easily finding the proper mounting position.
2Ease of operation
If the holder is freely rotatable on the catchment tray, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mounting precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed to be freely rotatable on the catchment tray after mounting, allowing dynamic adjustment and flexible access. The security edge with clip fingers ensures that once mounted, the holder remains securely attached while permitting rotation, combining stable connection with operational flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the discharge opening is made larger, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the structural integrity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge opening is strategically positioned and sized in the holder wall to provide adequate access for cleaning tools while maintaining sufficient wall material around the opening to preserve structural integrity. The local design of the opening balances cleaning accessibility with overall holder strength.
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 quick and secure attachment of the holder to the catchment tray, facilitating easy dispensing of both dry and liquid feeds without orientation constraints and reducing feed sticking issues.
Implementation Method 1
fixing means intended to attach the holder to the catchment tray, wherein the fixing means comprise an annular fixing element with security edge
Implementation Method 2
use gravity to continuously direct the material present in the holder (e.g. kibbles or water) to the catchment tray
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an animal feed system (1) suitable for supplying feed or water, comprising:a freely rotatable holder (2) for feed or water with a discharge opening (3) provided in the underside;a catchment tray (4) for supporting the holder (2) and capturing and temporarily storing the feed or water dispensed via the discharge opening (3);fixing means intended to attach the holder (2) to the catchment tray (4), wherein the fixing means comprise an annular fixing element (5) with security edge (6), wherein said fixing element (5) comprises a passage (7) for the feed or water.