Selective Feeder Access Using Spring-Loaded Animal Strength Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively manage targeted animals like wild boars or feral hogs while preventing non-targeted animals such as livestock and wildlife from accessing toxic bait, often leading to environmental and agricultural damage.
Innovation Solution
A selective access system with a container and a sliding cover that allows access only to targeted animals by using a force generator and counterforce mechanism, where the cover slides open for animals capable of exerting a counterforce greater than a pre-selected amount, while remaining closed for others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a force generator and counterforce mechanism are used to allow selective access based on animal strength, then targeted animals can access the bait while non-targeted animals are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the force parameter threshold by using a spring-loaded mechanism where the spring force can be adjusted or selected to match the strength capability of target animals. This allows selective access based on physical strength without complex electronic or mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded cover mechanism automatically responds to animals based on their strength. Target animals that can exert sufficient force automatically open the cover, while non-target animals cannot. The system serves itself by using the animals' own physical capabilities as the selection criterion without requiring external control systems.
2Reliability
If a sliding cover mechanism is used to control access to the interior space, then selective access is enabled, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover mechanism is designed to be operated automatically by the animals themselves through their natural pushing or sliding actions. The spring-loaded design provides automatic return to closed position, eliminating the need for complex locking or manual operation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic open position based on the force applied by animals. The spring mechanism provides dynamic response, automatically opening when sufficient force is applied and automatically closing when the force is removed, creating an adaptive access control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A selective access system, and methods of making and using such a system, whereby the selective access system includes a container having an interior space defined by a side wall disposed between opposing top and bottom walls; an opening disposed within the side wall, the opening communicating with the interior space; and a cover slidably engaged with the container, the cover configured to slide upward and downward between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cover overlays the opening; in the second position, the cover disposes away from at least a portion of the opening to permit access to the interior space. The selective access system can further include an electrical conductor coupled to the container, whereby the electrical conductor can deliver a nonlethal electrical shock to an animal which comes into contact therewith to deter the animal from the selective access system.