Securing Assembly for Selectively Concealing Animal Crate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dog crates are aesthetically unappealing and cumbersome, especially when not in use, as they occupy space and can negatively impact the appearance of a room, and are difficult to move or conceal.
Innovation Solution
A securing assembly that allows a dog crate to be selectively concealed within an architectural structure, such as a cabinet or furniture, using a slideable platform and door assembly with vertical tracks, enabling the crate to be moved between a retracted and extended position, and securely attached or removable as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional dog crate is placed in a family room, then the dog has easy access and the crate is functional, but the appearance of the room is negatively impacted and the crate is cumbersome to move
Solution Approach 1:
The dog crate is nested within a cabinet structure, allowing it to be concealed when not in use and displayed only when needed. The cabinet acts as a housing that contains the crate, similar to nested dolls, thereby hiding the unsightly appearance of the crate while maintaining accessibility when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate is made movable within the cabinet structure through sliding mechanisms and removable securing members. This dynamic design allows the crate to be easily extended for use and retracted for concealment, transforming from a static, cumbersome object to a dynamic, adaptable solution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the crate is made permanently fixed to improve stability, then the crate is secure, but it becomes difficult to move or reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The securing members are designed to be removable and repositionable, allowing the crate to be securely fixed when needed and easily moved when required. This dynamic securing system provides both stability during use and mobility for repositioning, eliminating the need for permanent fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing assembly is divided into separate, modular components including removable securing members and sliding mechanisms. This segmentation allows the crate to be independently positioned and secured at different locations within the cabinet structure, providing both stability and flexibility.
3Shape
If the crate is concealed within a cabinet to improve aesthetics, then the appearance is enhanced, but access to the crate becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet incorporates sliding mechanisms that allow the crate to be easily extended outward for access and retracted inward for concealment. This dynamic movement system maintains aesthetic appearance when the crate is stored while providing quick and easy access when needed, eliminating the trade-off between concealment and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet structure serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic concealment for the crate, acts as a support structure, and incorporates sliding mechanisms for easy access. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both aesthetic and accessibility requirements into a single unified system.
4Ease of operation
If the door assembly is raised vertically to provide access, then the door can be opened, but the structure becomes more complex with vertical tracks and chains
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly uses vertical tracks with chains that allow the door to be dynamically raised and lowered. This dynamic mechanism provides easy access by allowing the door to move vertically along the tracks, while the chain mechanism keeps the door organized and manageable despite the increased range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is segmented into upper and lower portions that can move independently along the vertical tracks. This segmentation allows each portion to be positioned optimally for access while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple manageable components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing assembly for supporting an animal crate within an architectural structure and the animal crate may be selectively concealed. A platform supports the bottom surface of the crate and may be extended or retracted within the architectural structure. The securing assembly includes a track which is selectively secured to the architectural structure and the platform includes a mating flange for cooperating with the track. The platform includes a mount for the animal crate which permits the crate to be manipulated to extend and retract the platform.