Spiked Mat Deters Wildlife From Feeder Troughs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wildlife game feeder systems are ineffective in preventing undesirable animals from accessing the feed troughs, leading to theft or spoilage of feed, and often harm or distress to both intended and unintended animals.
Innovation Solution
A spiked mat with 2D nails protruding through a flexible fluted Polypropylene base is designed to fit on top of feeder troughs, preventing undesirable animals from climbing up by causing discomfort with sharp points, without using mechanical, electrical, or toxic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical traps are used to prevent undesired animal access, then feed protection is improved, but animal welfare deteriorates due to painful capture and delayed death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of sharp spikes into a beneficial deterrent by positioning them on the trough cover. The spikes cause discomfort to undesired animals attempting to climb onto the trough, preventing access without capturing or harming the animals. This transforms a possible injury mechanism into a gentle deterrent that protects feed while preserving animal welfare.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the spiked cover mat - between the undesired animals and the feed trough. This intermediary barrier prevents direct contact and access to the feed while using minimal harm (sharp points causing discomfort) to achieve the protective function, avoiding the need for traps that cause pain and distress.
2Reliability
If electrical deterrents are used to keep undesired animals away, then feed protection is improved, but risk of electrical shock to intended animals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical deterrent system with a simple mechanical barrier - a cover mat with spikes. This mechanical solution provides feed protection through physical prevention of access, eliminating the need for electrical fields that could accidentally shock intended animals. The mechanical spikes provide a clear, unambiguous barrier that undesired animals can sense and avoid.
3Reliability
If poison deterrents are used to prevent undesired animal intrusion, then feed protection is improved, but risk to intended animals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of poison into a beneficial physical barrier. Instead of using toxic substances that could accidentally affect intended animals, the spiked cover mat provides a physical prevention mechanism. The sharp points cause discomfort to undesired animals, creating a natural barrier that protects feed without introducing toxicity risks.
4Ease of operation
If no cover is used on feeder troughs, then access for intended animals is maintained, but feed theft and spoilage by undesired animals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trough access problem by introducing a separate cover mat component that can be independently applied to the trough opening. This segmented approach allows the trough itself to remain open for intended animals while the separate spiked cover provides protection against undesired animals, maintaining ease of operation for legitimate feeders while preventing theft.
Data Source
AI summary
A static device with no moving parts to be used with game feeder equipment where by the invention is attached to the top of animal feeder tube troughs to keep undesired animals such as, but not limited to, Raccoons and Squirrels from gaining access to the top of feeder tube troughs and subsequently from gaining access to feed and or feedstocks.