Animal Chew Holder With Latching Pin for Choking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal chew holders fail to securely retain standard-shaped chews like rolled rawhide or bully sticks, leading to a risk of choking hazards as the animal can pull out or break the remaining chew, and existing solutions require threaded rods or screws which are impractical for a device meant to be chewed.
Innovation Solution
A device with a body featuring opposing passageways and a pin that is secured by an internal latch system, allowing the pin to be easily inserted and removed without tools, and designed to accommodate chews with boreholes, ensuring the pin is recessed to prevent damage and the latch system allows for easy replacement of chews.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded rod or screw is used to secure the chew, then the chew can be held securely, but the device becomes impractical for a chewable application and requires tools for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded rod or screw from the system entirely, replacing it with a pin that is simply inserted through passageways and retained by an internal latch mechanism. This extraction of the threading element eliminates the need for tools while maintaining secure retention through the latch system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical fastening system with a simpler pin-and-latch mechanism. The latch uses elastic engagement and geometric constraints rather than threading, substituting a complex mechanical fastening system with a simpler retention system that is tool-free.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a compression fitting is used to clamp the chew, then standard-shaped chews can be accommodated, but aggressive dogs can pull the chew free due to insufficient holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retention function into two separate components: the pin that provides mechanical restraint through the chew, and the latch that provides secure retention. This segmentation allows the pin to accommodate various chew shapes while the latch ensures aggressive dogs cannot pull the chew free.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a C-shaped body with curved geometry that can accommodate different chew shapes. The arcuate passageways are positioned to work with various chew geometries, providing both versatility and secure retention when the pin is inserted through the chew and retained by the latch.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesives or friction are used to mount the chew, then the chew can be held in place, but the chew can be pulled out or break and fall out, creating choking hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an internal latch mechanism that is pre-configured to engage with the pin before the chew can be pulled out or break. This preliminary retention action prevents the chew from becoming loose or creating choking hazards, while the mounting process remains simple requiring only pin insertion.
4Ease of manufacture
If a pin is inserted through the chew without a latch, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the pin can be easily removed by the animal during chewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internal latch as an intermediary component between the pin and the external environment. The latch acts as a mediator that prevents animal removal of the pin while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device. The latch is integrated into the body structure, minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device that secures an animal chew to prevent animal choking. A chew with one or more boreholes may be inserted into the cavity. A pin is inserted, through the body until it passes through the borehole. A latch obstructs the head of the pin so that the animal cannot work the pin free while enjoying the chew. To remove the pin, the animal's caretaker can apply force to the end of the pin to push it free past the latch.