Squirrel Feeder Lock Mechanism Design

I need an innovative design for an electronic locking mechanism for a squirrel feeder. The purpose is to keep the feeder safe from rats at night. The lock should engage at a set time and unlock at dawn.

Key Requirements:
- Electronic Lock: The designed mechanism should be an electronic lock. Manual locks are not feasible as they require human intervention and hybrid locks complicate the design.
- Battery Operated: The power source for the lock should be a battery. The design should ensure low power consumption without compromising on performance.
- Timer Controlled: The lock should be triggered by a timer. It should engage at night and unlock at dawn.

Ideal Skills and Experience:
- Mechanical engineering and design: A background in designing lock mechanisms will be highly beneficial.
- Electronics: Understanding of electronic components and systems is crucial.
- Creativity: This project requires out-of-the-box thinking to create a unique solution that is both effective and feasible.

Please get in touch if you can deliver a solution that meets these requirements.