Wind-Driven Swivel Blade Decoy for Animal Attraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decoys for attracting animals, such as waterfowl, often rely on motorized mechanisms or resemble the animals, which can be costly and may not effectively attract animals in low wind conditions or when not powered by electricity.

Innovation Solution

A wind-driven device comprising a support pole, hanging rod, and a blade coupled to a swivel mechanism that spins freely in response to wind, creating a visible indication without resembling the animal and powered by natural wind, enhancing attraction through a 'strobe effect' with contrasting colors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motorized mechanisms are used in decoys to resemble animal movement, then the attraction effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattraction effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is designed to move automatically using wind power without requiring external electricity or complex motorized mechanisms. The swivel mechanism allows the blade to rotate freely in response to wind, creating the attraction effect through natural environmental forces rather than active mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces motorized mechanical systems with a passive wind-driven mechanical system. Instead of using electric motors to power blade movement, the invention uses wind energy directly to rotate the blade through aerodynamic forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drive systems while maintaining movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If motorized mechanisms are used in decoys to resemble animal movement, then the attraction effectiveness is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattraction effectivenessVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is constructed from inexpensive materials such as plastic or metal that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The simple design allows for low-cost production through conventional manufacturing methods, eliminating the need for expensive motors, batteries, and electronic control systems while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The wind-driven system eliminates ongoing operational costs associated with motorized decoys, such as electricity consumption and motor maintenance. The passive design requires no power source or complex maintenance, significantly reducing both initial manufacturing cost and long-term operational expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If electricity is used to power decoy mechanisms, then the movement control is improved, but the dependency on power source increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement controlVSAvoiddependency on power source

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The decoy system uses wind energy directly to power blade movement without requiring external electricity or other power sources. This self-powered approach eliminates dependency on batteries, electrical grids, or fuel tanks, allowing the decoy to operate autonomously in any location where wind is available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The blade movement is dynamically responsive to wind conditions rather than being mechanically controlled. The swivel mechanism allows the blade to rotate at varying speeds and directions based on wind strength and direction, creating natural-looking movement patterns that adapt to environmental conditions without electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device effectively attracts waterfowl and humans without electricity, providing enhanced visibility and attraction through spinning blades with contrasting colors, creating a 'strobe effect' that draws attention, and can be used for advertising purposes.

Implementation Method 1

a blade coupled to a swivel mechanism for coupling to the hanging rod. The swivel mechanism allows the blade to move by spinning freely. The blade is attached to the swivel mechanism and shaped to move by spinning in response to wind.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind: Wind

Implementation Method 2

The blade may further include an indication on at least one surface of the blade, such that when the blade spins the indication on the at least one surface is visible.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrobe effect: Stroboscopic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7874093B2Wind driven bird attractor

Publication Date: 2011.01.25 R H MFG

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are provided for attracting animals. In one aspect, there is provided a wind driven device, such as a decoy for animals, such as waterfowl, birds, humans, and the like. The device may include a support pole; a hanging rod coupled to the support pole; and a blade coupled to a swivel mechanism. The swivel mechanism is further coupled to the hanging rod. The blade is attached to the swivel mechanism and shaped to move to attract one or more animals when the blade moves in response to wind. Related apparatus and methods are also described.