Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder with Movable Outer Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing squirrel-proof bird feeders are prone to damage from aggressive squirrels, have unreliable mechanisms for closing feed ports, and lack adequate feed level control devices.
Innovation Solution
A squirrel-proof sunflower seed bird feeder design featuring a vertically movable outer housing member with alternating bands of openings, a spring mechanism to prevent squirrel access, and inverted truncated funnel feed level control devices to maintain a consistent feed level, all constructed from durable metal mesh material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wood or plastic construction is used for the bird feeder, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strength and resistance to squirrel damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bird feeder combines metal mesh material for the outer housing member with internal mechanical components (springs, inner housing member) to create a composite structure that provides both durability against squirrel damage and functional complexity for the closing mechanism
2Device complexity
If simple feed port closure mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of closing feed ports when squirrels move onto the feeder deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing member is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the inner housing member through spring mechanisms, allowing the feed ports to automatically close when squirrels move onto the feeder and reopen when they depart, providing reliable responsive action without complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms are pre-configured to automatically activate when squirrels attempt to access the feed, creating a preliminary protective response that closes the feed ports before the squirrels can cause damage or steal feed
3Strength
If metal mesh material is used for housing members, then strength and resistance to squirrel damage is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing members are segmented into outer and inner components with specific bands of openings, allowing the metal mesh material to be manufactured in standardized sections that can be assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining strength
4Productivity
If feed level control devices are added to maintain consistent feed level, then productivity and feed availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed level control devices are designed to automatically maintain consistent feed levels through self-regulating mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems while ensuring continuous feed availability for birds
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
Effectively denies access to squirrels while resisting damage and maintaining a consistent feed level, ensuring reliable operation and durability against aggressive squirrel interactions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring means connects the inner and outer housing members to yieldably maintain the outer housing member in its first position but which will permit the outer housing member to move to its second position if a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member.
Implementation Method 2
The inner housing member has a feed level control device positioned therein adjacent each of the second bands of openings which maintains a certain amount of feed at that level in the inner housing member
Data Source
AI summary
A squirrel-proof sunflower seed bird feeder is provided which denies feeding access to squirrels by way of a unique connection system between an inner housing member and an outer housing member of the bird feeder.