Timed Deer Feeder Flap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feed dispensing devices often scatter feed over a wide area, attracting non-targeted animals and damaging equipment due to their design, which results in inefficiency and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A deer feeder design that positions a hopper and electrical components above the ground, using a pivoted flap mechanism and timer-controlled dispenser to provide a controlled amount of feed accessible only to targeted animals, reducing waste and equipment damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If feed is scattered over a wide area using traditional dispensing devices, then more animals can access the feed, but non-targeted animals consume the feed and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder divides the feed dispensing into controlled segments through multiple discharge tubes with individual flap controls, allowing selective feeding to specific locations rather than widespread scattering, thus reducing feed waste while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by positioning discharge tubes at specific heights and locations where only targeted animals (deer) can access the feed, while creating a physical barrier (flaps) that prevents non-targeted animals from reaching the feed, thereby reducing feed waste
2Ease of operation
If the feeder is positioned close to the ground for easy animal access, then more animals can reach the feed, but equipment becomes vulnerable to damage from animal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from ground-level feeding to an elevated feeding dimension by positioning discharge tubes and flaps at heights accessible to deer but not to the ground. This vertical dimensionality change allows animals to access feed through the flaps while protecting electrical and moving parts from animal contact and damage
Solution Approach 2:
The flap acts as an intermediary mechanism between the feed and the animals. It allows targeted animals to access the feed when opened while blocking non-targeted animals or preventing equipment damage when closed, thus mediating the interaction between feed dispensing and animal access
3Stability of the object's composition
If electrical and moving parts are placed below the hopper for structural stability, then the apparatus is more stable, but animals can damage the electrical wiring and components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electrical and moving parts from the vulnerable lower region and relocates them to the upper region above the hopper. This extraction removes the harmful components from the area where animals can access and damage them, while the hopper structure provides stable support for the relocated components
Data Source
AI summary
An animal feed dispenser includes a feeding tube for receiving a predetermined amount of animal feed from a hopper. The feeding tube includes at least one opening through which animals may access the interior of the feeding tube. The opening may be closed by a movable closure flap so as to restrict access to the animal feed located within the feeding tube.