I needed a way to automatically feed our barn cats without the raccoons taking it all. This design is modular and adaptable to nearly any container that has a flat bottom to store the bulk animal feed, can feed up to medium sized dog food bits, and works on a timer and motor that are off-the-shelf readily available parts. Combine with mounting bolts/screws of your choice, some M3 screws, a few heat set threaded inserts for the motor mount mounting bosses, and you are ready. I even use one for tricking grain to our cow! This system has no agitation and relies on gravity flow, so feed like finely milled chicken feed (flour/grit consistency instead of pelleted) won't work very well. It was designed with commercial dry cat food in mind. Basically, you need free flowing feed. Feed that will cake up won't work unless you add a vibrator. This is NOT designed to fling feed, but to drop it into a pan/dish/small pile.
Print in the obvious orientation, no supports should be needed, though you may need a healthy brim on the funnel (print funnel exit side down). I recommend PETG, making sure the model is printed solid plastic for durability. Layers should be .2 at the threads.
I used this motor, and I would not go any slower: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071GTTSV3 Any 12v wall wart that gives 2 amps or better will be fine.
I used these timers as they are programmable to the second, and have an onboard battery to keep settings when/if unplugged or power loss: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Z3F8L4C
There are 3 funnel versions. The smooth funnel is just a smooth exit for best flow. The second funnel design has an “entry denier” feature set built in, but can clog with larger feed and/or higher feed flow. The third funnel fits with a 2" SCH 40 PVC pipe for additional distribution options. This can be useful for further securing the device from extra determined raccoons or for putting feed into an animal enclosure where the main hopper is NOT located.
The adjuster sleeve should be set for just enough clearance for feed to flow reliably.
The power wire can come out the side if you hide the mechanism in a second bucket, up through the feed container, whatever.
There are no predetermined holes for mounting the base to the feed container; simply drill the appropriate holes. Make sure the base is printed solid!!!
STEP included for mods and clarity of assembly. Also refer to thumbnail photo for assembly.
The motor cover isn't strictly needed to function, but keeps the motor clean and critters out of it.
The author marked this model as their own original creation.