Game Feeder With Shielded Spinner and Elevated Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game feeders are prone to predation by vermin, damage from larger animals, and operational inefficiencies due to elevated design, which leads to corn loss and feeder destruction.
Innovation Solution
A game feeder design with a shielded motor, a spinner plate positioned to minimize animal access, and a discharge mechanism that reduces predation risk, combined with an elevated mounting option to prevent knocking over.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the feeder is elevated several feet above the ground, then unwanted taking of corn by varmints is limited, but heavy bags of corn must be lifted up to pour into the feeder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level feeders to elevated mounting, utilizing the vertical dimension to create distance between the corn and ground-based varmints. The feeder is mounted on poles or structures elevated several feet above ground, which limits access by raccoons, squirrels, and other ground-dwelling animals while maintaining ease of loading through designed access points.
2Ease of operation
If the feeder is placed on the ground, then loading with corn is easier, but the corn can be pilfered by varmints such as raccoons and the like
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by elevating the feeder off the ground using poles, stakes, or mounting structures. This vertical separation maintains ground-level accessibility for loading while creating a protective barrier against ground-dwelling varmints that would otherwise pilfer the corn.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the feeder is elevated, then unwanted taking of corn is limited, but the feeder is prone to being knocked over by feral hogs and bears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs stabilizing mechanisms including weighted bases, grounding stakes, and anchoring systems that provide counterbalancing forces against the knocking and pushing actions of large animals like bears and feral hogs. These stabilization features create sufficient friction and structural resistance to prevent the elevated feeder from being overturned.
4Ease of manufacture
If the motor, batteries, timers, spinner plates are exposed, then the feeder can be easily assembled, but these components are frequently damaged by varmints particularly raccoons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested protective structure where the motor, batteries, timers, and spinner plates are housed within an enclosed compartment or housing. This nested design allows the components to be protected inside the feeder body while maintaining relatively simple assembly through modular construction and access panels.
5Productivity
If the spinner plate is positioned close to the discharge opening, then corn is dispensed efficiently, but varmints are able to reach into the area and eat significant amounts of corn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the spinner plate and discharge mechanism in an elevated position within the feeder body, utilizing vertical space to create distance between the corn dispensing area and ground-level varmints. The discharge opening is positioned high enough that raccoons and squirrels cannot reach the corn while it is being dispensed, yet the spinner plate remains efficiently positioned for corn ejection.
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
Reduces predation and damage to the feeder, enhances operational efficiency, and minimizes corn loss by positioning critical components within the feeder body and using an elevated mounting system.
Implementation Method 1
a base plate disposed within said main body, defining a bottom surface of the reservoir section, said base plate shaped so as to funnel game feed to an opening in the base plate through which game feed can flow
Implementation Method 2
The spinner plate is driven by an electric motor, usually battery powered, which turns on at desired times (usually controlled by a timer). The spinner plate throws the corn out some distance from the feeder.
Data Source
AI summary
A game feeder having a recessed game feed spinner plate, which discharges game feed through a relatively narrow opening. The spinner plate is rotated by an electric motor, which is housed in a protective enclosure within the game feeder, along with the battery and timer, and protected from animals. The narrow discharge opening minimizes feed loss by animals accessing the spinner plate. The game feeder may sit on the ground, or may be mounted on a support such as a pole or tree with mounting hooks and a bracket, and when mounted is especially resistant to feed loss or feeder damage by bears, feral hogs and the like.