Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder with Dynamic Feed Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing squirrel-proof bird feeders are often made of wood or plastic that can be damaged by aggressive squirrels, have unreliable mechanisms for closing feed ports, and lack effective feed level control devices.
Innovation Solution
A squirrel-proof bird feeder design featuring an inner housing member with vertically spaced housing segments made of expanded metal, woven wire, or mesh, combined with a novel feed level control device and a spring-connected outer housing member that moves to deny access to squirrels, while providing reliable feed level control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wood or plastic is used for bird feeder housing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but durability against squirrel damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bird feeder combines metal components (perforated metal or wire mesh for durability, plastic for feed storage and ease of manufacture) to create a composite structure that leverages the strengths of each material - metal provides squirrel resistance while plastic provides ease of manufacture and feed containment
2Reliability
If a mechanism is added to close feed ports when squirrels approach, then squirrel-proofing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed port closure mechanism uses a dynamic spring-loaded system where the outer housing can move between open and closed positions. The spring automatically returns the housing to the closed position after squirrel activation, providing reliable squirrel-proofing through simple dynamic motion rather than complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically resets the outer housing to the closed position after being activated by a squirrel, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the squirrel's own weight to trigger the closure and then automatically resetting
3Reliability
If the outer housing member is made movable to deny squirrel access, then squirrel-proofing is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically returns the outer housing to the closed position after squirrel activation, eliminating the need for manual resetting. The system is self-servicing, requiring no user intervention to maintain its squirrel-proof function
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to be dynamically movable rather than fixed, allowing it to respond automatically to squirrel presence while maintaining ease of operation through simple spring-driven motion that naturally returns to the protective closed position
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 solution effectively prevents squirrels from accessing the feed by using durable metal components and a reliable mechanism to close feed openings, while also offering a functional feed level control system that maintains feed availability for birds.
Implementation Method 1
A spring connects the outer housing member to the inner housing member which normally causes the feed openings in the outer housing member to register with the feed openings in the inner housing member
Data Source
AI summary
A squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device is described. The bird feeder includes a vertically disposed inner housing member which is positioned within a vertically disposed outer housing member with each of the housing members including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments. The spacing of the housing segments divide feed openings therebetween. A combination feed level control and feed port device is positioned between each of the housing segments of the inner housing member so that feed ports are provided therebetween. The outer housing member has a plurality of feed openings formed therein which register with the feed ports of the combination devices when the outer housing member is in its first position. If a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member, the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member so that the feed openings in the outer housing member do not register with the feed ports of the combination devices. A spring interconnects the inner and outer housing members to yieldably maintain the outer housing member in its first position. The combination feed level control and feed ports not only function as a feed level control mechanism but also provide feed ports at the lower end thereof.