Anti-Slip Bowl Outer Shell With Removable Elastomer Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stainless steel bowls for animals lack effective anti-slip features that can withstand multiple dishwasher cycles without degrading, and the precision required for interference fits is difficult to achieve through typical metalworking techniques.
Innovation Solution
A bowl design featuring a removable anti-slip ring retained by an interference fit within a plastic outer shell, allowing easy installation and removal, which is not feasible with stainless steel, and preventing slipping on surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an anti-slip provision is attached using permanent affixation means, then the anti-slip feature is secure, but the anti-slip material degrades and detaches after multiple dishwasher cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The bowl is divided into two shells: an inner shell that contacts food/water and an outer shell that provides structural support and houses the anti-slip provision. This segmentation allows the anti-slip feature to be integrated into the outer shell's structure rather than being a separate attached component, enabling it to withstand dishwasher cycles without degrading or detaching.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-slip provision is merged with the outer shell by forming it as an integral structural feature within the outer shell's cavity. The elastomeric material is positioned within a cavity formed in the outer shell, creating a unified structure that moves as one unit during washing, eliminating the attachment/degradation problem of separate components.
2Reliability
If an interference fit is used to retain the anti-slip provision, then the anti-slip feature is securely held, but forming precise features requires stamping processes that cannot achieve the necessary dimensional tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from requiring precise interference fit dimensions to using a tolerance-friendly retention mechanism. The channel's width is made slightly larger than the anti-slip provision, eliminating the need for tight dimensional tolerances. Retention is achieved through friction and geometric interlocking rather than precision interference fit, allowing standard stamping processes to produce acceptable results.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the anti-slip provision slightly larger than the channel (interference fit), the channel is made slightly larger than the provision. This inversion allows the provision to be easily inserted and retained through friction and geometric constraints rather than requiring precise dimensional matching, solving the manufacturing precision problem.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the anti-slip provision is made removable for dishwasher use, then hygiene is maintained, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bowl's outer shell is segmented to include a removable anti-slip provision that can be detached from the cavity. This segmentation allows the anti-slip component to be separated for washing while leaving the main bowl structure intact, maintaining hygiene without requiring complex disassembly mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism transitions from fixed to dynamic, allowing the anti-slip provision to be easily inserted and removed from the outer shell's cavity. The elastic nature of the provision and the cavity's dimensions enable simple snap-in/snap-out operation, providing removability for hygiene purposes without adding mechanical complexity.
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
The solution provides a durable anti-slip mechanism that prevents bowl movement and extends the life of the bowl by avoiding degradation from dishwasher cycles, while allowing precise feature formation in the plastic outer shell.
Implementation Method 1
A strip of elastomeric material that discourages slipping may be attached to the bottom of the bowl
Implementation Method 2
a strip of elastomeric material that discourages slipping may be attached to the bottom of the bowl
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of containers such as bowls can include in outer shell, and an inner shell positioned at least in part within the outer shell. The inner shell can be formed from a material such as stainless steel. The outer shell can be formed from a material such as plastic. An anti-slip provision, such as a strip of elastomeric or other material, can be mounted on the outer shell.