Turkey Decoy With Remote-Controlled Movable Head and Tail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turkey decoys lack realistic movement simulations, are often limited in movement types, dependent on environmental wind, or overly complex and expensive, failing to accurately mimic live turkeys.

Innovation Solution

A turkey decoy with separately movable head, neck, and tail assemblies, featuring remote control capabilities and a fannable tail using real or artificial feathers, allowing independent and simultaneous movement activation to simulate a live turkey's actions, regardless of environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If naturally occurring wind is used to activate movement, then the decoy can simulate live turkey movement, but the decoy is useless when the wind does not blow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement simulation reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental condition dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The decoy uses its own weight and a simple trigger mechanism to activate movement, eliminating dependency on external wind conditions. The weighted head assembly automatically drops forward when triggered, simulating turkey movement without requiring environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the natural wind mechanism with a manual trigger system and gravity-based movement activation. This mechanical substitution ensures reliable movement simulation regardless of environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If only one portion of the decoy is made movable, then the decoy is simpler to manufacture, but it does not accurately simulate a live bird

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoy manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlive bird simulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The decoy is divided into distinct movable segments including the head, neck, and tail portions, each capable of independent movement. This segmentation allows for realistic multi-part simulation while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates multiple dynamic components that can move independently - the head drops forward, the tail raises and fans - creating a more accurate live bird simulation through coordinated movement of multiple body parts rather than a single movable element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If electronic devices are used to effect movement, then the decoy can be remotely controlled, but the decoy becomes too expensive and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidelectronic control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple string or wire as an intermediary to transmit the operator's pulling action to the trigger mechanism. This mechanical intermediary provides remote control capability without requiring complex electronic devices, maintaining simplicity while enabling operator control from a distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electronic control systems with a simple mechanical pull-string trigger mechanism. This substitution eliminates expensive electronics while maintaining remote control capability through a straightforward mechanical connection between the operator and the movement activation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If the tail is made fixed, then the decoy is simpler to construct, but it is not life-like enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoy construction simplicityVSAvoidlife-like appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tail is constructed as a separate movable segment that can be raised and fanned independently from the body. This segmentation allows the tail to perform realistic movements during mating displays while maintaining a relatively simple construction through modular attachment to the main decoy body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a dynamic tail assembly that can be raised upward and fanned outward to simulate the mating display behavior of live turkeys. This dynamic capability significantly enhances the life-like appearance during courtship scenarios while using a straightforward mechanical linkage system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9820479B2Turkey decoy
Publication Date: 2017.11.21 BEAL MITCHELL W
  • US9820479B2 patent drawing
  • US9820479B2 patent drawing
  • US9820479B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A “full body” turkey decoy having one or more of a movable head and a movable neck is controlled remotely by the operator to produce a life-like animation of the decoy. The movable head bobs to the ground and the movable neck arches and straightens, simulating realistic activity. The movable components of the decoy are controlled remotely by means of one or more pull cords, with movement of the components achieved by the use of springs and counterweights.