Collapsible Frame Design for Animal Containment Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal containment systems occupy large amounts of space when not in use and are difficult to transport due to their fixed size, even when the animals are removed and the beds can be stacked.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible frame system that holds animal beds, which can either horizontally or vertically collapse to reduce space consumption when not in use, allowing the beds to be stacked within each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed frame system is used to hold animal beds, then the beds can be securely contained during use, but the system occupies large amounts of space when not in use and is difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The frame includes collapsible sides that can be folded inward and locked in place, allowing the system to change its volume from an expanded containment configuration to a compressed storage configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining containment stability during use and reducing storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into separate collapsible side components rather than a single rigid structure. Each side can be independently folded and collapsed, allowing the overall volume to be reduced while maintaining the structural integrity needed for secure containment during operation
2Reliability
If a fixed frame system is used to hold animal beds, then the beds can be securely contained during use, but the system is difficult to manage during transportation due to its overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The frame's ability to dynamically collapse and expand provides ease of operation during transportation. The collapsible sides can be folded inward to create a compact configuration that is easier to move and store, while still providing secure containment when expanded during use
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible design allows the frame components to nest within each other during collapse, similar to nested dolls. The sides fold inward and interlock, creating a compact nested structure that reduces the overall footprint and makes transportation more manageable while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An animal containment system includes a frame and a set of animal beds (e.g., plastic bins or similar) that are held in the frame for growing, mating, demonstration, sales, etc. When the animals are no longer present, the frame collapses, either horizontally or vertically, to reduce the amount of space consumed by the frame, as it is often possible to stack the animal beds, one inside each other, thereby reducing storage and transportation space requirements.