Portable Animal Support Device with Adjustable Trough Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dog grooming and veterinary examination tables face challenges in supporting small animals, as tethered loops do not prevent sitting, leading to increased fatigue for groomers and limited access for treatment, and existing portable support stands have limited height adjustment and complexity, making them impractical for small animals.
Innovation Solution
A portable, adjustable animal supporting device with unequal dimensions and trough-shaped channels that can be easily positioned and repositioned, allowing for one-handed height adjustment to accommodate various animal sizes, suitable for use on different surfaces, and easy to clean.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tethered loop is used to restrict the dog's movement, then the dog is prevented from moving about the table, but it does not prevent the dog from sitting down
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the table structure into a separate, portable support device that can be independently positioned and adjusted under the animal's abdomen, providing dedicated support without interfering with the tethered loop's restraint function
Solution Approach 2:
A portable support device acts as an intermediary between the table surface and the animal's abdomen, providing the necessary support to prevent sitting while allowing the tethered loop to maintain restraint
2Reliability
If groomers physically support the dog with one hand, then the dog is prevented from sitting, but hand, wrist, and arm fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable support device provides self-service support by mechanically supporting the animal's abdomen through its own structure, eliminating the need for the groomer to continuously use hand support while the animal is being groomed
3Adaptability or versatility
If portable support stands are made shorter to accommodate smaller animals, then they can support toy breeds, but height adjustment becomes difficult due to limited clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates dynamic height adjustment mechanisms that allow easy modification of support height even in compact configurations, enabling adaptation to different animal sizes including toy breeds without sacrificing adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in support height and positioning to accommodate various animal sizes, with adjustment mechanisms designed to work effectively even when the overall device size is reduced for smaller animals
4Stability of the object's composition
If prior-art support devices are integrated into the table, then they provide stable support, but specialized tables and customized hardware increase manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the table structure and implemented as a separate, portable support device, eliminating the need for specialized tables and customized hardware while maintaining support stability through the device's own design features
Solution Approach 2:
The portable support device is designed to be universally applicable to standard grooming tables and various animal sizes, providing stable support without requiring customized hardware or specialized table configurations
5Stability of the object's composition
If prior-art support devices are permanently or detachably mounted, then they provide consistent support, but they require additional time to install or remove
Solution Approach 1:
The portable support device is designed for rapid self-service setup and removal by the groomer, eliminating the need for technical installation or removal procedures while maintaining consistent support during use through its portable design
Data Source
AI summary
An animal supporting device having a having three primary dimensions of unequal lengths for engaging the abdomen or other body part of an animal at various support elevations. The device may have one or more trough-shaped channels for engaging the abdomen or other body part of the animal at alternative support elevations. The device may have a dog-bone-shaped outline. Other embodiments are described and shown.