Animal Interactive Device Object Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photography apparatuses for monitoring pet behavior lack interaction capabilities and fail to address the pet's need for exercise when left alone, making it difficult for owners to engage with their pets remotely.
Innovation Solution
An interactive device for animals featuring a main body with a recess, a video/audio transceiver, a driving module, and pushers that allow for the controlled ejection of objects, enabling remote interaction and monitoring through video and audio signals, along with a motor and gear assembly for precise object manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional photography apparatus is used to monitor pet behavior, then the pet owner can observe the pet's behavior remotely, but there is no interaction capability with the pet and the pet lacks exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single unit: it includes a photography apparatus for monitoring pet behavior, an object ejection mechanism for throwing toys, and a video/audio transceiver for two-way communication. This multi-functional design allows the device to both observe and interact with the pet, resolving the limitation of conventional single-function monitoring devices
2Duration of action of moving object
If the driving module continuously drives the pusher to eject objects, then the pet can continuously interact with thrown objects, but the motor may overheat or malfunction due to sustained high loading
Solution Approach 1:
The driving module operates intermittently rather than continuously, with the control module activating it only when objects are detected in the recess by the detecting unit. This periodic operation allows the motor to cool down between operations, preventing overheating and maintaining reliability while still providing sufficient object ejection for pet interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting unit provides feedback to the control module about the presence of objects in the recess. The control module uses this feedback to determine when to activate the driving module, creating a closed-loop control system that activates the motor only when needed, thus avoiding unnecessary continuous operation and potential overheating
3Productivity
If the first pusher moves along the first direction to push objects out, then objects can be ejected through the opening, but objects may get stuck or interfere with the ejection process
Solution Approach 1:
The first pusher is designed to move dynamically along a longitudinal slot in the recess rather than in a fixed linear path. This dynamic movement allows the pusher to adapt to the positions of different objects, pushing them along the slot toward the opening without getting stuck, thereby maintaining both ejection efficiency and smooth operation
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal slot acts as an intermediary guide structure between the pusher and the objects. It provides a defined pathway that directs objects from their initial position in the recess to the opening, ensuring smooth ejection while the pusher moves along the slot, preventing interference and stuck conditions
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
Enables remote interaction and monitoring of pets by allowing owners to throw objects and observe their behavior, addressing the lack of engagement and exercise for pets when left alone, while preventing interference and controlling object ejection.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, a gear assembly connected to the motor, and an intermittent gear connected to the gear assembly
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member is connected to the main body and the second pusher
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive device for animals is provided, including a main body, a circuit module, a video/audio transceiver, a driving module, a first pusher, and a first communicating member, wherein the circuit module, the video/audio transceiver, and the driving module are disposed on the main body, and the video/audio transceiver and the driving module are electrically connected to the circuit module. The main body has a recess and an opening. The first pusher is movably disposed in the recess and connected to the driving module. The first communicating member communicates the recess with the opening. When the driving module drives the first pusher to protrude from an inner wall of the recess, the first pusher pushes an object in the recess into the first communicating member, and the object leaves the main body through the opening.