Interchangeable Animal Chew With Rotating Fastener Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet chews lack a secure mechanism to prevent inadvertent removal of interchangeable components, posing a hazard to pets and children, and fail to provide a durable and replaceable design that maintains user engagement.
Innovation Solution
The animal chew features a body with rotating mechanical fasteners and a resilient member that biases coupling features to a disengaged configuration, allowing components to be securely attached and only removable with intentional force, preventing accidental detachment and enabling easy replacement of worn parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If interchangeable components are used in pet chews, then ease of repair and adaptability are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent removal of components
Solution Approach 1:
The pet chew is divided into interchangeable components including a body portion and removable end assemblies that can be independently replaced. The end assemblies include coupling features that allow them to be detached and reattached to the body, enabling easy replacement of worn parts while maintaining overall system reliability through secure connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism is incorporated into the end assemblies to prevent inadvertent removal. The locking mechanism includes features such as a lock tab that engages with the body or end knob to secure the assembly in place, counteracting the potential harmful action of accidental detachment while preserving the ability to intentionally remove and replace components.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent component removal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is implemented locally at specific critical points where components connect to the body, rather than throughout the entire structure. The lock tab and engagement features are positioned only where needed to prevent inadvertent removal, providing targeted security without unnecessarily complicating the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-step locking system, the design inverts the approach by using a simple, intuitive locking mechanism that engages automatically when the end assembly is attached. The locking action occurs as a natural byproduct of the assembly process, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing perceived complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials with different physical properties are combined, then adaptability and chewing experience are improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials are assigned to different segments of the pet chew - the body portion can be made from one material while end assemblies use different materials with varying physical properties. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with optimized materials for its specific function, then assembled together, thereby achieving material diversity without compromising overall manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling features and locking mechanisms are designed with universal compatibility across different material combinations. The standardized interface allows end assemblies made from various materials (such as softer materials for young dogs or harder materials for adult dogs) to be securely attached to the body, enabling material versatility while maintaining consistent manufacturing and assembly precision through standardized coupling designs.
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
This design enhances safety by preventing accidental removal of components and allows for the replacement of worn parts, extending the life of the chew toy and maintaining user engagement through varied material combinations and interchangeable components.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member may be located between the end wall of the end knob and the nut
Data Source
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AI summary
An animal chew including a body and an end assembly. The body may include a first rotating mechanical fastener. The end assembly may be removably affixed to the body and may include a nut, an end knob and a resilient member. The nut may include a second rotating mechanical fastener and a first coupling feature. The end knob may include an opening defined in a first end wherein at least a portion of the nut is received, the opening defined by a side wall and an end wall, including a structure in the side wall to retain the nut. The end knob may also include a second coupling feature to engage the first coupling feature of the nut. A resilient member may bias the first and second coupling features in a disengaged configuration.