Spring-Biased Plunger Bird Feeder for Squirrel Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bird feeders are costly to manufacture and assemble due to complex components and alignment requirements, and they often fail to prevent larger birds and squirrels from accessing the seed, with squirrels being particularly adept at overcoming existing deterrents.
Innovation Solution
A squirrel-resistant bird feeder design featuring a seed tray below the seed container, a shroud enclosing both, a non-removable cover, a central tube with a spring-biased plunger system, and a hanger to secure the cover and shroud, minimizing components and eliminating the need for side wall baffles, while using a sealing boot to prevent moisture and debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shroud type squirrel proof bird feeder is used, then squirrel resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase due to multiple components and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud and cover are merged into a single integrated component that performs both functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate shroud and cover assemblies, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the squirrel-proof functionality through the shroud's weight-activated closing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated shroud-cover assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a protective cover and a squirrel deterrent mechanism. The shroud portion provides weight-activated closure to block feed openings, while the cover portion protects the entire assembly, eliminating the need for separate specialized components.
2Reliability
If a shroud type squirrel proof bird feeder is used, then squirrel resistance is improved, but assembly difficulty increases due to alignment requirements between shroud openings and container openings
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the shroud and cover into one molded or assembled unit, the patent eliminates the alignment problems that arise when separate components must be fitted together. The integrated design ensures that openings are properly positioned relative to the container openings without requiring complex alignment procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional bird feeder designs are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but effectiveness in preventing larger birds and squirrels from accessing seed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder is segmented into distinct functional zones: a shroud portion with feed openings for bird access, a cover portion for protection, and a weight-activated mechanism for squirrel deterrence. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
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 design effectively prevents larger birds and squirrels from accessing the seed while being relatively inexpensive to produce, maintaining functionality in inclement weather and allowing easy shipping and assembly, with adjustable spring tension to customize access restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member mounted about the center post within the central tube, a first end of the spring member biasing the seed tray and a second end of the seed member biasing the lower plunger portion
Data Source
AI summary
A squirrel resistant bird feeder which comprises a seed container, a seed tray mounted below the seed container, a shroud enclosing the seed container and seed tray with at least one feed opening in a lower portion of the shroud, a cover member extending over the shroud, a central tube extending between the seed tray and an upper portion of the seed container, a center post within the center tube, and a plunger comprising an upper plunger portion and a lower plunger portion, the upper plunger portion and lower portion being screwthreadedly engaged such that the length may be varied, a spring member mounted about the center post and biasing the seed tray and the lower plunger portion.