Articulating Chew Toy With Spheroidal Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet chew toys do not adequately address the need for a flexible, noise-producing, and articulating toy that promotes dental prophylaxis and encourages play, particularly for dogs with varying chewing preferences and dental health needs.
Innovation Solution
A pet chew toy comprising a flexible outer member made of an elastomeric material and a harder inner core with a spheroidal joint that articulates and produces sound when bitten, featuring a modular design with connectors that allow 360-degree rotation and a shape that can transition to maintain a second shape, promoting dental health and play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a toy is made hard to withstand chewing, then durability is improved, but it becomes unsuitable for dogs with developing or diseased teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is segmented into multiple members connected by joints, allowing the structure to flex and adapt to different chewing forces. This segmentation enables the toy to provide durable resistance for strong chewers while being gentler on dogs with developing or diseased teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The toy changes its physical parameters (flexibility, resistance) based on the chewing force applied. When bitten, the toy transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible, articulating structure that adapts to the dog's dental condition and chewing strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a toy is made flexible to accommodate weak chewers, then adaptability is improved, but it loses durability for strong chewers
Solution Approach 1:
The toy transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, articulating structure that responds to chewing forces. The joints and spheroidal connections allow the toy to flex and move, providing adaptability for weak chewers while maintaining structural integrity for strong chewers.
3Ease of manufacture
If a toy is made static and rigid, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but it fails to provide engaging play experience
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is divided into multiple members that can be manufactured separately and then assembled through simple snap-fit connections. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling the articulating, engaging play experience.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple components (members, joints, spheroidal connections) are merged to create a complex, engaging articulating structure. Each component remains simple to manufacture, but their combination provides dynamic play value.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a toy includes internal noise-making components like bells or squeakers, then play engagement is improved, but there is a risk of swallowing hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-making function is extracted from internal components (bells, squeakers) and implemented through the external articulation and movement of the toy structure itself. The joints and spheroidal connections produce sounds through their motion, eliminating swallowable internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joints and spheroidal connections serve as intermediaries that convert chewing forces into audible sounds and visible movement. This intermediary mechanism provides engagement without requiring internal noise-making components that could be swallowed.
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 toy effectively encourages play and dental prophylaxis by providing a durable, engaging chewing experience that adapts to the animal's biting force, producing audible sounds to maintain interest and promoting oral health through ridges and recesses that clean teeth.
Implementation Method 1
a harder inner core with a spheroidal joint that articulates and produces sound when bitten
Implementation Method 2
A pet chew toy comprising a flexible outer member made of an elastomeric material and a harder inner core
Implementation Method 3
promoting oral health through ridges and recesses that clean teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A toy for an animal is provided which comprises a covering of a first polymeric composition; a core of a second polymeric composition which is harder than the first polymeric composition. The core comprises a first member having a first member longitudinal axis connected with a second member having a second member longitudinal axis, wherein the first member is pivotable relative to the second member longitudinal axis and the second member pivotable relative to the first member longitudinal axis.