I incorrectly assumed it would be easy to displace cat kibbles since they are small in size. It is easier to displace liquid at the bottom to make room for the screw. Once the Archimedes screw is removed it is much harder to replace it with a medium such as a cat food because of the solid pebbles. I tried to apply the same logic to cat kibbles but ran into many problems. It is essentially a pump used to transfer water from a low-lying region to a higher region. Typically, an Archimedes screw does not need an auxiliary chamber above, since it uses mechanical force to move a liquid up a chamber to oppose gravity.
The first major flaw is there is no easy way to refill the chamber. After 3D printing using the Fortus 450mc FDM printer and testing it I discovered several apparent flaws. The design I tried last year to automate the process used an Archimedes screw to bring the kibbles up a tube that then tumble down two arms on each side, making two kitties (and one owner) concurrently happy.įigure 1 shows the original cat feeder design. It would be easier to just turn a handle, and in a matter of seconds, deliver the proper amount of food to each kitty at the same time – at least, that’s what I hoped. I have two cats, so I have to do this for each bowl, twice a day.
ARCHIMEDES SCREW PUMP DESIGN MANUAL MANUAL
Late last year, in my spare time, I began developing an automated feeding device geared to help pet owners (me included) save time and eliminate the hassle of twice-daily feedings.įor the manual method of food delivery to my cats, I have to measure out 1/3 cup of kitty kibbles with a measuring scoop and then deliver the food into each respective dish.