Interchangeable Animal Chew with Durable Polymer Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet chews lack durability and versatility, leading to frequent replacement and limited interaction for both pets and owners, as well as inadequate variety in chewing experiences.
Innovation Solution
A molded animal chew design featuring a durable holder made from a polymer with higher Shore Hardness and tensile strength, combined with a less durable edible resin composition, allowing for interchangeable shapes and extended use by locking mechanisms such as 'L-shaped' grooves and projections, enabling reuse and variety in chewing experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-material chew toy is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the chew toy lacks durability and must be replaced frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a durable polymer holder with an edible resin body. The holder provides long-term durability and structural integrity, while the edible body provides consumable functionality. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by achieving both durability through the polymer component and simplified replacement through the consumable edible portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The chew toy is segmented into two distinct components: a reusable polymer holder and a consumable edible body. The holder remains intact while the edible body is consumed and replaced. This segmentation allows the durable component to be retained and reused, resolving the frequency replacement issue without requiring complete disposal of the entire toy.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a durable holder is combined with replaceable edible bodies, then the chew toy life is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates dynamic engagement features including grooves and protrusions that allow the edible body to be inserted, secured, and removed. The grooves in the holder receive corresponding protrusions on the edible body, creating a mechanically engaging but reversible connection. This dynamic design enables extended chew toy life through reusable holders while maintaining relatively simple integration through straightforward mechanical features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different materials with different physical properties are combined, then a variety of chewing experiences are provided, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer holder serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables durability, facilitates replacement of edible bodies, and creates mechanical engagement through grooves and protrusions. By designing the holder to perform these diverse functions, the patent achieves material property variety for different chewing experiences while avoiding the need for complex multi-material constructions. The single polymer material is engineered to provide universal functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An animal chew for an animal, comprising a body having a first outer shape and comprising a first relatively less durable composition, the shape including an opening extending at least part way through the body; a holder having a second shape and comprising a second material, the second material comprising a relatively more durable polymer, the second shape including a shaft portion complementary in shape to the opening in the body to provide an interference fit. The relatively more durable composition of the holder is characterized as having one or more of a variety of features that characterize the more durable composition with respect to the chewing behavior of an animal.