Spring-Biased Shroud 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 seeds, especially under inclement weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A squirrel-resistant bird feeder design featuring a seed container with a seed tray below, a shroud extending around both, a spring member for biasing the shroud, and a central tube with a cover member, which allows bird access while compressing to deny access to larger animals, eliminating the need for baffle systems and guide members, and incorporating a sealing boot for weather resistance.
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 is integrated with the seed container as a single unified component, eliminating the need for separate shroud and container assemblies. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the squirrel-proof function through the shroud's ability to cover openings when weight is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the seed container, provides squirrel resistance by covering openings, and integrates with the seed tray assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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:
The shroud and seed container are manufactured as a single integrated unit, eliminating the alignment problem between separate components. The openings are positioned relative to each other within the same molded structure, ensuring proper alignment without requiring precise assembly adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is designed with integrated openings that are segmented portions of the overall structure, allowing the shroud to be manufactured as a complete functional unit rather than assembled from separate parts, thereby eliminating alignment requirements.
3Reliability
If a shroud type squirrel proof bird feeder is used, then squirrel resistance is improved, but reliability under inclement weather decreases due to functional interference
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is constructed as a flexible component that can adapt to various weather conditions while maintaining its squirrel-proof function. The flexible material allows the shroud to move and adjust according to weather variations without compromising either squirrel resistance or weather adaptability.
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 results in a cost-effective, efficient bird feeder that prevents larger birds and squirrels from accessing seeds, maintaining functionality under various weather conditions with a minimal number of components and no need for complex alignment systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member mounted internally of the seed container, a first end of the spring member biasing the seed tray, a second end of the spring abutting a portion of the shroud such that the shroud is biased to a first position wherein the at least one opening in the shroud permits access to the seed tray, the shroud being moveable to a second position when a weight on the shroud compresses the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A squirrel resistant bird feeder having a seed container, a seed tray mounted below the seed container, a shroud extending about the seed member and seed tray, the shroud having openings in a lower portion thereof, with a spring member mounted internally of the seed container and being enclosed by a central tube, the spring member having a first end thereof abutting a portion of the seed tray and a second end acting on the cover and shroud. Any excessive weight placed on the shroud or cover will cause the shroud to move downwardly covering the seed tray.