Animal Door Interface System with Adjustable Return and Latch Blocker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional animal doors face issues such as air leakage, unauthorized entry, size limitations, installation complexity, permanence, and lack of portability, as they often require specialized tools and cannot be easily removed or adjusted to accommodate different animal sizes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system includes an adjustable door return device, an animal interface with an angled section for easy access, and a latch blocker that allows for easy installation and removal without damaging the door, accommodating various animal sizes and ensuring secure closure without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hole is cut in the existing door to install an animal door, then the animal door can be installed, but the installation becomes complex and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the door modification into separate components: a template for marking the opening, a door return device with separate mounting parts, and a removable animal door panel. This segmentation allows installation without specialized tools by using simple drilling and screwing operations rather than cutting the entire door.
Solution Approach 2:
The template serves as an intermediary tool that simplifies the installation process by providing pre-marked drill holes and opening boundaries. The door return device acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates easy mounting and removal of the animal door without permanently modifying the door structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an animal door is installed in a typical door, then the animal can pass through, but it cannot be easily removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a permanent fixed installation to a dynamic removable configuration. The door return device is designed with mounting brackets and screws that allow the animal door to be easily attached and detached. The template provides reusable marking capabilities for reinstallation if needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the animal door opening is fixed in size, then installation is simple, but it cannot accommodate animals of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The template is designed as a universal tool that can accommodate different animal sizes. It features multiple pre-marked drill hole positions and adjustable opening boundaries that can be configured for small, medium, and large animals. This multi-functional template eliminates the need for different templates for different animal sizes.
4Ease of operation
If the animal door flap is elastic material, then the animal can easily push it open, but air leakage occurs through cracks between the door and opening
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a flexible animal door panel made of elastic material that animals can easily push open. To address air leakage, the template is designed with precise opening boundaries and the door return device includes sealing components that create a tight fit between the elastic panel and the door opening, preventing air cracks while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal door system includes a door forming a body having: a front surface; a back surface; a first side; and a second side. The system further includes a plurality of hinges secured to the second side; a handle extending through a thickness of the body and configured to manipulate a latch extending through the first side of the body; a latch blocker secured over the latch and rigidly attached to the first side of the body; an animal interface rigidly secured to the first side of the body and configured to protrude relative to the front surface of the body; and an adjustable door return device secured to the back surface of the body of the door, the adjustable door return device is configured to return the door to a closed position.