Removable Animal Feeding Container Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Veterinary hospitals face disruptions when disconnecting anchored food and water containers from animal cages for cleaning, as the disconnection process can be cumbersome, especially with multiple animal patients.
Innovation Solution
An animal feeding apparatus with a container and support system that allows for removability and releasable locking, enabling easy removal for cleaning or replacement while preventing tipping and spilling, using a locking device with a shaft and stop elements to secure the container in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the container is anchored to the wall to prevent tipping, then the container stability is improved, but the ease of removal for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static anchored state to a dynamic removable state through rotational movement. The shaft and locking bar mechanism allows the container to be securely locked in position during use, then easily removed when cleaning is needed by simply rotating the locking device to disengage the locking bar from the slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is divided into separate functional components: a shaft for insertion, a locking bar for engagement, and a slot for reception. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be independently controlled and operated, enabling secure attachment during use while facilitating easy removal when needed.
2Reliability
If the container is securely locked to prevent tipping, then the reliability of preventing spills is improved, but the productivity of cleaning multiple animals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device enables rapid transition between locked and unlocked states through simple rotational motion. This dynamic operation allows veterinary staff to quickly secure containers to prevent spills during animal care, then rapidly remove them for cleaning between patients, significantly improving cleaning efficiency when multiple animals are treated.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is pre-positioned within the slot to automatically engage when the container is mounted. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable spill prevention is established before the animal care process begins, while the pre-configured release mechanism allows for rapid unlocking and removal during cleaning transitions between patients.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal feeding apparatus can include a container shaped to hold food or water and a support to which the container can be removably mounted and releasably locked. The support can be configured to prevent the container from tipping while enabling easy removal of the container from the support for cleaning or replacement.