Collapsible Pet Bed with Interlocking Leg Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pet beds lack portability, resilience, and space efficiency, with existing options either providing insufficient cushioning or being too large and non-collapsible, while also often being unsuitable for indoor use due to size and access limitations.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and expandable pet bed with a network of interconnected legs and hubs, a flexible covering with a resilient cushion, and a stop mechanism for stability, allowing for easy storage and use by pets of various sizes, featuring a hammock-style design that provides comfort and accessibility from multiple sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional pet bed is designed to be large and sturdy, then it provides good support and comfort for pets, but it becomes difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The pet bed frame is divided into multiple collapsible sections with interconnected legs and hubs that can be folded together. The frame consists of four legs with hubs at corners and midpoints, allowing the structure to be segmented into foldable units that maintain strength when assembled but compact when collapsed for storage
Solution Approach 2:
The pet bed employs a dynamic collapse mechanism where the frame can transition between an expanded operational state and a collapsed storage state. The interconnected legs and hubs with pivot points enable the structure to dynamically change its volume while maintaining structural integrity during use
2Ease of operation
If a bean bag type pet bed is used, then it is portable and provides some cushion, but it lacks resiliency and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple resilient sections that correspond to the frame segments. Each cushion section is attached to specific frame members and can be independently compressed and rebounded, providing localized resiliency while maintaining overall portability through the collapsible frame structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pet bed combines a rigid yet collapsible frame structure with separate resilient cushion sections. This composite construction integrates the portability benefits of the collapsible frame with the comfort and resiliency of the cushion sections, achieving both ease of operation and structural strength
3Reliability
If a conventional kennel is designed with a single access point, then it provides security for some dogs, but it creates a closed chamber that may be perceived as punishment
Solution Approach 1:
The pet bed design provides multiple access points through its four-sided open structure, allowing pets to enter and exit from any direction. This multi-functional access approach maintains security by providing a defined enclosed space while enhancing adaptability by accommodating pets' natural movement patterns and preferences
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 pet bed offers a compact, sturdy, and resilient solution that is easy to store and use, providing comfort and security for pets while being adaptable to different environments and user-friendly for both small and large dogs, with the ability to adjust to various configurations and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
each of the interlocking legs being pivotally joined to another interlocking leg at the midsection via a first pivot
Implementation Method 2
a resilient cushion, the four sides of the frame tracking the first, second, third and fourth sides
Data Source
AI summary
A bed for a pet such as a cat or dog that includes a frame having a collapsible and expandable network of interlocking legs and a covering for the frame. The covering includes a first cover portion for extending over a top and four sides of the frame, and a second cover portion for further extending over the top side or raised floor of the frame. The network of interlocking legs includes pairs of pivoting legs interconnected via hubs and, as a whole, is resilient so as to provide a forgiving or hammock style of pet bed. The first cover portion hides the networked frame from view. The second cover portion includes a cushion to provide further resiliency to the pet bed and further includes a carpet of soft fibers on which the pet directly makes contact when lying down.